Rotary Youth Hold Car Wash & Bake Sale
Bermuda’s Rotary Youth recently held a car wash and country bake sale, raising more than $1,000 for a charitable cause.
A spokesperson said, “As Rotary Youth prepare for exams, graduation and university pursuits, they put aside their Saturday morning extracurricular activities and came together at the Paget Gas Station on Saturday to host a car wash and country bake sale with roasted peanuts, homemade Cinnabon rolls, cupcakes, glass candy and old fashioned ginger bread, along with tasty treats fit for a king.
“The Hamilton Rotary Interact Club, sponsored by Hamilton and St. George’s Rotary Clubs, and the Rotaract Club, sponsored by the Sandy’s Rotary Club, turned out in droves to join the car wash brigade, sell baked goods, and make and display signs at the roadside to advertise the affair.
“Rotarians and community friends stopped by to have their cars, vans, trucks, taxis, and motorbikes cleaned with state of the art power washers, sponges and cleaning brushes filled with car shampoos. There were tire buffers which transformed vehicles into dazzling coaches similar to a typical Cinderella story. Customers commented on the glimmer and glitz noted after their vehicles were cleaned and polished.
“The youth raised over $1,000. Part proceeds will finance sanitary napkin dispensers with sanitary supplies which will be donated to middle schools and sanitary kits for students in need in upper primary classes.
“The idea came out of an international girls empowerment conference held at the United Nations, where all four Rotary Interact Clubs attended. The convention was livestreamed at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club. The girls were informed about issues such as human trafficking, lack of schooling for girls, early marriages of some girls as young as 10 globally, as well as marriage of 10-year-old girls in some pockets in the U.S.
“Feminine hygiene was also a topic explored and it was noted hundreds of girls around the world stay at home monthly because of lack of running water in their schools or lack of sanitation products. Upon discussing with their peers, the Bermuda delegates discovered that there are girls on the island who are having hardships financing sanitary products.
“As the Rotary motto is ‘service above self,’ both girls and boys joined in to raise funds to assist the female students in need.
“Both MSA and Somersfield Interact Clubs and Sandys Rotaract Club members are joining this initiative to lessen the stress accompanying menses amongst several female students on the island.
“Special thanks to the Paget Gas station management and staff for the use of water and facilities to hold the car wash and bake sale, and D.E. Mortimer, who donated the liquid soap. Commendations to Mr. Shannon Simmons, husband of organizer Rotarian Shammara Simmons, who directed the car wash and rolled up his sleeves to teach and assist the teens in the fundamentals of car and tire cleaning.
“One member of First Devonshire Brownie troupe, 10-year-old Chelsea Sta Maria, came out to help clean cars in preparation for her membership into the Rotary Interact Club when she turns 12.
“Advisers who helped to organize and supervise youth at this most successful event were Rotarians Shammara Simmons, Darmell Jones, Denoris Armstrong, Veronica DeGraff, and Cathy Bassett. President Rick Richardson, President of Hamilton Rotary Club, and Rotarian Jordan Simmons Trott were there to salute and encourage the 30 strong Rotary Youth, who provided service with a smile.
“A part two similar event will take place during Heritage Month, where Bermuda delicacies such as fudge, breads, coconut cakes, loquat jam, glass candy, and other old time recipes will be unveiled. It is hoped Rotarians will join in with the youth to host a joint fundraiser for both the youth wing and adult Rotary Clubs, who do so much in the community.
“A sign up recruitment drive for Interactors will take place at the second car wash and bake sale for teens who would like to join the Hamilton Rotary Interact Club in the fall of 2023. Teens can show up at the Heritage car wash and bake sale and roll up their sleeves to earn community service hours while they meet and mingle with Rotary Youth.
“Interacters range in age from 12 to 18-years-old. Rotaractors start from 18-years-old to 30+. Rotary builds character and empowers youth to become leaders who serve the community.”
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