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Rotarians rally for youth leadership

Oak Bay Rotary hosts “Nearly New Sale and Christmas Market” at the Monterey centre Saturday

Get a start on Christmas shopping ... and maybe pick up a little something for yourself at this Saturday’s “Nearly New Sale and Christmas Market” at the Monterey centre.

A fundraiser hosted by the Rotary Club of Oak Bay in conjunction with the Rotaract and Interact clubs, it’s the inaugural Christmas sale for the local Rotarians, who hope to raise about $1,500 to support Youth Leadership initiatives, says Rotary’s Anne McIntyre.

Shoppers will find a wide variety of goodies and gift ideas at the sale, running from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 7.

“Some are items from other countries, from other non-profits or Rotary clubs to support their projects in those countries, such as Guatemala and Africa, Christmas decorations and crafts,” McIntyre says.

In addition to Advent Activity Kits, artisan wares include art cards and photography, pottery, jewellery, soap and more. Get ready for holidays guests by picking up and your Christmas cakes, along with Tupperware to serve and store it, plus gift ideas from Discovery Toys.

Oak Bay Rotarians have also been collecting new and nearly new items from fellow Rotarians to fill tables with miscellaneous items perfect for Christmas gifts.

“It has brought together the Interact, Rotaract and various Rotary Clubs around Victoria. We hope that people come and do a little Christmas shopping from local vendors (some of which are raising money for great projects), support youth leadership and have coffee and treats at the Monterey Centre,” McIntyre says.

“There will be unique items for sale and it’s a fantastic reason to think local!”

Money raised from the event will help promote youth leadership initiatives.

Annually, the Rotary Club of Oak Bay selects suitable members from Interact and Rotaract to attend programs such as Adventures in Citizenship, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, the Big West Conference and Rotary Presidents Elect Seminars.

“From listening to past attendees of these conferences, the recipients have found the experience invaluable. These kids then come back from these experiences and act as mentors and leaders within their peer groups, inspiring others to be more involved. What a great gift to give our youth,” McIntyre says.

The Interact Club at Oak Bay High School was sponsored almost 25 years ago by the Rotary Club of Oak Bay. Its membership gives students age 12 to 18 the chance to make a difference while having fun. The club carries out two service projects a year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding.

The Rotary Club of Victoria-sponsored Rotaract Club is for adults 18 to 30 who meet to exchange ideas, plan activities and projects, and socialize.

Rotaract clubs decide how to organize and run their club and what projects and activities to undertake.

To donate items for the Nearly New Sale and Christmas Market, drop off at Disaster Aid Canada (426 William St.) or All Fired Up at the corner of Fort and Richmond streets. For information about participating or for table rentals contact Anne McIntyre at anne@disasteraid.ca or Dr. Jim Force at 250-592-8324.