Dundas Valley Sunrise

Posted by Nancy Baker

SOCKS & SKIVVIES

 
Wow!! What a rip-roaring success!! The Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club exceeded its goals, serviced an identified community need, and had great fun!  Let me tell you how collecting new socks and underwear did all that and more.
 
President Holger Knaack established Rotary Opens Opportunities as the theme for his 2020-2021 year as Rotary International President. He asked Rotarians around the world to “create opportunities that strengthen their leadership, help put service ideas into action, and improve the lives of those in need.”  Could President Knaack have possibly imagined the complexity of a worldwide pandemic being added into this Rotary year? Like most community members, Rotarians have been personally and professionally challenged by CoVid19 restrictions. Mercifully, Rotarians have the Four-Way Test to guide us in the things we think, say, and do. Together, we know how to identify and approach challenges. Immersing oneself in Community Service Projects is a key part of life as a Rotarian. In Dundas, Ontario, a community need was identified.  An energetic, committed sub-committee was established, and our inaugural Socks & Skivvies community service project took off! The Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club stepped up hugely! It is winter.  Folks are cold.  Rotarians can help. 
 
Cue Socks & Skivvies!! The Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club inaugural Socks & Skivvies community service project took place November 23-30, 2020.  Collection bins were welcomed in several Dundas locations including retail, social service, community service, and neighbourhood spaces.  Community members were invited to drop off any new socks, underwear, scarves, hats, and gloves to the donation bins. Word spread. People asked. The bins overflowed!! Rotarians, friends, and family safely, cleanly, and respectfully sorted and distributed over 15 giant bags of items with an estimated value of approximately $10,000 to Dundas Community Services, Salvation Army, the Association of Dundas Churches-community dinners, Hamilton Jewish Family Services, Out of the Cold, Dundas Health Team, Mission Services, and Dundas lodging homes. What a fantastic first-time event!
 
Rotarians were asked to identify three words that came to mind while reflecting on this supportive, community initiative. Many heartwarming responses were received, and an image was created and shared to reflect member’s efforts. This well-received community service project will happen again in November 2021.