The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

The Rotaract Club of South East Nassau Centennial continued to do its part in addressing needs of the less fortunate by hosting their third annual "Stamp Out Hunger" initiative.

After launching on World Food Day during the 2017/18 Rotary year, a team of the RSENC board of directors noticed how many Bahamians are struggling to feed their families; families predominantly headed by single mothers. In response, they launched the first "Stamp Out Hunger" event.

"The board of directors asked members of the club to donate their Quality Stamps to the cause, which later were (placed) in acrylic boxes in various Super Value/Quality Super Market locations throughout New Providence to encourage the wider community to participate," said Javon Morley, the club's current president.

"While year one gained much support, we saw significant growth in the support from the community as well as our club members during the 2018/19 Rotary year. This growth allowed us to reach and support substantially more families."

This year's "Stamp Out Hunger" focused on providing for displaced victims of Hurricane Dorian. The goal is to give these people the Christmas they deserve.

"Seeing this unfold for a third year feels great. It shows that there are individuals in the Bahamas that are willing to help others and put service above self. It means a lot to have the support of the public while we continue to give back to our community," said Mr Morley.

"Anyone wishing to take part can by placing their Quality Stamps in the acrylic boxes at Quality Super Market Cable Beach or Super Value West Ridge from now until November 29. If you do not frequent these locations, you can reach out to the club on our social media page and a member of the club will make arrangements to allow you to make your contribution."

He said the overall aim for the movement to grow to the point where they can expand into other islands. The RSENC team is hopeful that one day in the future they will be able to partner with other organisations throughout the country to help families who are struggling to make ends meet.

"In addition to reaching the wider Bahamas, our goal is to partner with other Rotary and Rotaract Clubs around the world to help families in their respective communities. We don't not want to restrict 'Stamp Out Hunger' to the Bahamas, but (expand) as far as we can reach, starting with home first," said Mr Morley.

One December 1, with the assistance of the Department of Social Services, the team is looking forward to purchasing food items to make a donation to the families that have been selected this year. Following 'Stamp Out Hunger', RSENC and its partner club, the Rotary Club of South East Nassau, plan to host their third annual Gift of Love Blood Drive on December 7 at the Mall at Marathon.

Additionally, in March next year, they are planning a professional networking event to focus on various life skills essential for millennials in the 21st century.

The Rotaract Club of South East Nassau Centennial (RSENC) has been an active member of the community for quite some time. Some of its recent projects include but are not limited to 'Paint Da Streets Pink' to raise awareness of breast cancer in the Bahamas and beyond; teaching the kids at the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association the basics of photography, and renovating the Library the Bahamas Department of Corrections.

"It is our hope that by teaching the individuals at the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association photography, they develop a passion for a new life skill which they can hopefully turn into a career in the future. Photography is an art form that allows the artist to capture durable images through the lens of their camera," said Mr Morley.

As for painting the library at the Bahamas Department of Corrections, as well as donating books to their collection, Mr Morley said: "Prisoners that were assisting with the renovations stated that the library upgrade was long overdue and were ecstatic to see it being done, as they personally spend several hours in there. It was our hope that by renovating the library it would encourage more individuals at the Department of Corrections to make use of the space and allow it to aid in their rehabilitation."

For more information, visit Instagram: RotaractSENC, Facebook: The Rotaract Club of South East Nassau Centennial, or e-mail: rotaract.SENC.Bahamas@gmail.com.