Courtesy of Community Advocate, Mary Catherine Karcich
Generosity and kindness can go a long way, literally.
While the Rotary Club of Westborough is dedicated to serving its community, they are also committedtomaking adifference abroad.
As part of their international work, the club has been giving backtothecitizensofGuatemala thanks to collaborations with GEMINI (Global Emergency Medicine Initiative) and the help of Jorge Yarzebski, a Rotarian member and native of the country. Over the years, they've sent personnel from UMASS to provide medical services like surgeries to those in need. But it doesn't stop there.
In 2019, Rotarians went to install stoves made out of cinder blocks for better ventilation. Guatemalans cook on an open flame on the floor of their homes - similar to a campfire - causing respiratory issues and creating a hazard to children. Now,thanksto these new stoves, people are not getting sick like they used to.
Despite the stark differences in what one of these stoves would look like next to something we might buy at our local Home Depot, residents were grateful. "A hands-on approach project affords a new perspective of what we value and what is important in life," said Rotarian David Kaiser. As the old adage goes, 'One man's trash is another man's treasure'