A campaign to grow butter-coloured sunflowers to support Ukraine has led to a prestigious award for the Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise.
The Sunflower Seed Project, led by Paul Roy, has garnered a Gold Hero Award from Shelter Box Canada for 2022-23.
According to a media release, the initiative raised $40,000 for Ukraine Relief and helped forge many community partnerships.
The achievement far exceeded the club’s original goal of raising $10,000 through the sale of sunflower seeds, helped in large part by donations from local businesses and individuals.
Shelter Box and Rotary International continue to work together to ensure no one is left without shelter after a disaster.
The $40,000 raised locally went to displaced families in the Eastern region of Ukraine. The agency was able to purchase winterized shelter, repair kits, winter supplies, stoves, firewood and money for transportation to safety in other countries.
The Sunrise club has also maintained a park honouring Ukraine at the corner of Grand Avenue and Victoria Avenue thanks to parkland donated for use by Community Living. Flags, benches and bright sunflowers continue to highlight support for Ukraine, reminding the public the war and devastation in the country is far from over.
Rotary Sunrise meets Tuesday mornings from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. with meetings resuming Sept. 12. Anyone interested in joining can contact chathamsunriserotaryclub@gmail.com.
