YOUNG BLOODS

When the Hills Rotaract Club celebrates its first birthday on August 8 it will be with a sense of pride after raising and donating thousands of dollars to charity, baking and donating hundreds of cookies and picking up bags of rubbish.

What started as a gathering of four people has turned into a force of 18 Rotaractors who are now challenging other Rotaract Clubs to a blood drive in August and September to help boost blood donations to the Red Cross Blood Bank.

Hills Rotaract President Karenza De Leon said it had been a very exciting time establishing the club for 18 to 30-year-olds in the Hills area.

“We meet on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, 7pm arrival for a 7.15 pm start.” The venue is At The Corner, Arthur St, Baulkham Hills.

“It’s important to have a space for young like minded people who are passionate about helping their community coming together to share their ideas. I love seeing the passion and energy (the group) has to offer, but most of all I love seeing their efforts and progress.”

So far members joined Clean Up Australia Day and collected waste and rubbish.

In February they baked and iced over 1000 heart-shaped cookies which they then delivered to emergency service personnel and hospital staff on Valentine’s Day.

They have donated $2000 to a wheelchair project, raised money for the Cancer Council, Lisa Harnum Foundation, Share the Dignity and RSL Defence Care.

They have donated to The Black Dog Institute and run several fundraising barbecues.

“(The Club) has collaborated with many other community groups and members throughout this year, showing our support, compassion and commitment to various projects and events that have come our way.

“We also have different projects in motion that are in relation to causes we are passionate about, which include, mental health, community aid, clean water and education.“

To find out more visit the Hills Rotaract Club, Inc Facebook page.