Local Chatham-Kent Rotary Clubs, Rotary District 6380, and Rotary International have all teamed up to make a $27,622 donation to Chatham Kent Health Alliance Foundation.
District Governor Don ‘Sparky’ Leonard and Rotary officials presented a cheque to Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation (CKHAF) President & CEO Mary Lou Crowley, and Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) President & CEO Lori Marshall.
“It was really, really cool to present the cheque to the Health Alliance and allow them to spend it in the way they feel is best to serve the community at this time. They’re doing a wonderful job,” Leonard said in a press release.
The $27,622 donation will go directly to the Foundation’s COVID-19 Healthcare Relief Fund, supporting the purchase of masks and other personal protective equipment for front-line workers, as well as CKHA’s highest priority needs.
“CKHAF is so fortunate to be supported by our Rotarians, who demonstrate incredible passion for local healthcare,” stated Greg Hetherington, board chair, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation, in a press release.
“The work of the Foundation would not be possible without our partners in the community and their commitment to making a positive difference.”
The local donation stems from the combination of a $25,000 USD Global Grant from Rotary International with $20,000 from District 6380. That included $10,000 each from last year’s District Governor Jane McManus and $10,000 from this year’s District, governed by Leonard himself.
After additional local club fundraisers and initiatives were added, that $45,000 became more than $100,000 to share among the District. Leonard adds that the collaboration of all levels of Rotary is a shining example of how well clubs and communities can work together.
“We are so appreciative of the partnership with our local Rotary Clubs, and we are truly grateful they chose to support our Foundation with these funds,” stated Mary Lou Crowley, president and CEO, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation.
“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Rotary members throughout Chatham-Kent.”
With the commitment of each level of Rotary, Leonard says they’re not done just yet.
“The program will continue,” he said.
“We’re going to reach out to members again and begin to share it with our district communities. All funds that are raised we will continue to share with Michigan and here in Chatham-Kent. We certainly hope to be delivering another cheque in the near future.”
District 6380 is a 54 Rotary Club district covering the area of Chatham-Kent and Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw Counties in Michigan.
If you are interested in learning more about CKHAF’s COVID-19 Healthcare Relief Fund, please visit ckhaf.ca or call the Foundation office at 519-436-2538.
