The Case For Sustainability
Over the years, the Rotary Club of Guelph has initiated and supported a myriad of great community projects. Hospice, Second Chance, Career Education Council are just a few. But whether that support has been financial, voluntary, or ongoing leadership, the most successful have been projects that have planned for “sustainability” – the capacity to endure and be maintained over the long term.
Such is the case most recently when the very successful Food 4 Kids program, initiated in 2018 and supported by all Rotary Clubs in Guelph, sought collaboration with Guelph’s Children’s Foundation, linking their ongoing Children’s Breakfast programs (Keep Kids Fed at School) with supporting food insecure families on weekends - the mandate of Rotary’s Food 4 Kids.
Hence, “Keep Kids Fed at Home” was created and aligned with “Keep Kids Fed At School” for the overall benefit of children in Guelph and the surrounding area.
How did this come about?
Through careful planning, developing community partnerships, having a strong leadership structure and very supportive volunteers, the Rotarians who began the project, had the foresight to find a way to maintain and support their efforts for years to come. An excellent example of “Sustainability”.
The partnership just celebrated their first anniversary, and according to the Children’s Foundation, the results have been extremely positive. The Foundation was able to increase the weekly support from 432 kids in September to 539 kids in June, with hopes for expanding the programs throughout the county.
And Rotarians continue to be actively involved at the Board level and as volunteers.
As proof of the program’s success – Read the note below from a past recipient:
This impact demonstrates the vital importance of working towards “Sustainability” in all of our Rotary projects. When partnerships are formed, more success follows, and our community benefits.
Submitted by Barb Holmes
Chairperson, Children and Youth Committee
Rotary Club of Guelph