Community

Rotaract Club gears up for dinner and auction

The University of Lethbridge Rotaract Club will be holding its Fifth Annual Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Lethbridge Lodge.

This popular event has raised more than $85,000 for international charitable organizations over the past five years.

The proceeds from this year's Dr. Seuss themed event, Scholarships, Schools & Salamagoox, will go towards Malawi Girls on the Move and Roots & Wings International.

Malawi Girls on the Move is a Malawian/Canadian organization dedicated to helping young Malawian women achieve self-sufficiency through education.

Roots & Wings International, based in rural Guatemala, creates educational opportunities to promote development as defined by local communities.

The University of Lethbridge Rotaract Club hopes to provide these organizations with funding to promote educational opportunities and school construction, and has set a goal of approximately $10,000 for this event.

"Rotary District 5360, comprised of communities in southern Alberta including Lethbridge, has recently had the pleasure of hosting Malawi Girls on the Move directors Christie Johnson and Memory Mdyetseni," says Rotaract vice-president, external Kristina Larkin.

"The U of L Rotaract Club is excited to continue the district's support of this very worthy group. A representative of Malawi Girls on the Move is also expected to attend the event."

Larkin added that the Rotaract group is eager to provide support for Roots & Wings International, after Rotaract vice-president finance and current U of L student Marie Robertson spent a semester in Guatemala.

"She was able to see the impact of education among rural Guatemalans," Larkin said. "Her experience encouraged us continue to value our own educational opportunities and to work at providing the same chances for others worldwide."

Tickets are $50 each or $350 for a table of eight. Dress is business or semi-formal. Students may purchase a ticket for $40. Silent auction items and monetary donations are also appreciated. Contact rotaract@uleth.ca for tickets or additional information.