A delegation of volunteers from Elmbrook Rotary Club recently returned from Guatemala in continuation of the club's outreach to the children of this poorest of all Latin American countries. This visit marks the third consecutive year ERC members have offered their services in cooperation with Common Hope, a non-governmental organization that has been working in Guatemala for more than 25 years.
Elmbrook Rotarians Tom Curl, Ted Gurzynski, and Mark Zalewski along with family members Lynda Curl and Evonne Zalewski joined a delegation from the Port Washington Rotary Club on this year's visit. As in the past, it was a working visit, with team members assisting in the construction of a simple home for a Guatemalan family, as well as delivering books and school supplies to the club's "adopted" school in the Mayan village of San Rafael. Elmbrook Rotary has been successful in raising several thousand dollars a year in support of the San Rafael school through approved Rotary District Grants, the ERC International Outreach budget, and other donations to the Elmbrook Guatemala Literacy fund.
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In addition to these efforts, many of the individual club members sponsor children through annual contributions to Common Hope, which allow the children to attend school, and assists their families with improved health care. A highlight of the trip, therefore, was the opportunity for the volunteers to meet their sponsored children and spend some time with the families.
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Elmbrook Rotary Club is committed to helping break the cycle of poverty and inequality in Guatemala. If you are interested in participating in the effort there are two ways you can help:
1.) Make a donation to the Elmbrook Guatemala Literacy Fund.
2.) Sponsor a child through Common Hope.
For details on making a donation, sponsoring a child, or to learn more about Elmbrook Rotary's International Outreach programs, contact Larry Dattilio at larrydattilio@gmail.com or visit www.elmbrookrotary.org.
The Elmbrook Rotary Club was founded over 29 years ago by 26 Brookfield and Elm Grove, Wisconsin, USA business leaders to promote fellowship as a foundation for community service, ethical ideals and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace. Chartered May 27, 1983, the Elmbrook Rotary Club now has over 70 members and combines hands-on projects with fund raising to make a difference in the community, the region and the world.