The Charlotte-Shelburne Rotary Club (CSRC) has an active international program. There are a number of activities which are being supported during the Rotary Year beginning on July 1, 2009.

Rotary Youth Exchange

Marie-Aude Bouhyer The CSRC is hosting Ms. Bouhyer of France for the year. This program takes young persons from other countries and brings them to the U.S. Ms. Bouhyer is living with the Olson family in Charlotte. Just before Christmas she will move to stay with a family in Shelburne. She is attending Champlain Valley Union High School where Rotarian Ms. Tamie-Jo Dickinson is her adviser. The objective of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program is to send another American youth to France. This was not possible from the CSRC due to lack of candidates.

VERMONT - HANDS TO HONDURAS – TELA PROGRAM

‘It’s all about helping the Honduran kids’.  The Vermont- Hands to Honduras –Tela Program (H2H-T) is a partnership bringing North American and Honduran communities together.  H2H-T provides technical and humanitarian assistance to the north-Atlantic coast of Honduras and is supported by Rotary District 7850 and sponsored by The Charlotte-Shelburne Rotary Club. 

The H2H-T program is unique….it is more than a service trip – it is an experience that is enriching, expansive, educational, eye opening, fun and at times ‘heart touching’ for the volunteers.  Each volunteer pays his/her entire expenses, works side by side Honduran friends – many doing manual labor in very hot and humid temperatures.  Not only do these committed volunteers return year after year, many bring their own children to introduce them to helping and giving to others – an exceptional gift to young people.  They truly understand and live ‘service above self’.  

Financial support (an excellent way to accomplish International Avenue of Service goals) comes from the Charlotte-Shelburne Rotary Club; Rotary Clubs in District 7850; and Rotary matching grants and simplified grants.  Additional support is from community members, private grants and fundraising events.    

Goods and materials:  H2H-T collects much needed medical and dental equipment, soccer equipment and outfits, clothing, toys, school supplies, baby joggers, computers, and other items for every day life. 

The 2009 program will bring 80 enthusiastic volunteers to help with the diverse and ongoing projects including the only Rehab Therapies Center in over 90 miles (H2H-T constructed, equipped in ’06-07 and provides ongoing physical and occupational therapy and special education training); building school and day care classrooms and kitchens; water projects at schools and health centers; constructing playgrounds; providing free medical (women’s health clinic, pediatric clinic) and dental clinics; provides training for rescue, fire and police (’09 includes ambulance training); painting schools, and so many more.    

For additional information, please visit:  www.handstohonduras.org
E-mail:  lindaggilbert@gmail.com
Telephone information:  Linda Gilbert, 802-425-3838

Grenada College

In August, 2005 the CSRC allocated $500 to a Ms. Kemely Gordon.  She is the recipient of a program sending a worthy student from an island in the Caribbean to college in Grenada. $500 fully funds the tuition for an entire year. The CSRC continues to monitor the program and has expressed interest in perhaps sending more students should the program appear to meet expectations.

The Chair of the International Committee is John Hammer.