Portadown Rotary Club
Portadown Rotary Club
For 4 years, Portadown Rotary has been fundraising at Christmas time by providing a Remembrance Tree located at Tesco Extra Store, Craigavon.
£40,000 given to local charities in 4 years.
This year funds raised will be divided between, Southern Area Hospice, St Vincent De Paul, and The Salvation Army.
Project Overview
Following the disbursement of funds by the Portadown Rotary club, Community Care Network conducted distribution activity to provide dignity kits (reusable sanitary pads), mosquito nets, and water purification tablets to vulnerable households in Bura. The purpose of this initiative was to address critical health and hygiene needs within the community, especially among women and households without access to safe drinking water.
Activity Details
Distribution of Dignity Kits (Reusable Sanitary Pads)
Dignity kits were prepared, each kit containing 4 hygienic, reusable sanitary pads. These pads provide a sustainable menstrual hygiene solution for women with limited access to disposable sanitary products.
The dignity kits were specifically designed for reliability and durability, allowing each recipient to wash, dry, and reuse the pads, thus reducing ongoing costs. A total of 70 women received these dignity kits, prioritizing individuals from the most vulnerable and displaced groups in the area.
Through this initiative, the dignity kits are expected to enhance the health and hygiene of women and girls, offering protection against infection risks associated with inadequate menstrual hygiene. Additionally, the dignity kits help restore a sense of dignity and comfort, fostering greater self-esteem and well-being among recipients.
Distribution of Mosquito Nets
Community Care Network distributed mosquito nets to 70 households. Each household received one high-quality mosquito net, designed to protect family members from mosquito bites during sleep, thereby significantly reducing the risk of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.
This distribution focused on households with children, the elderly, and individuals at higher risk, as these groups are most susceptible to the severe impacts of malaria. The provision of mosquito nets is anticipated to play a critical role in improving the overall health and safety of families, particularly during the rainy season when mosquito populations surge.
By providing a simple yet effective prevention tool, this initiative aims to decrease the prevalence of malaria in the community, helping alleviate healthcare burdens on families and local clinics.
Distribution of Water Purification Tablets
Community Care Network provided 100 households with water purification tablets. Each household received a set of 10 tablets, with each tablet capable of purifying 20 liters of water, thereby ensuring safe drinking water for an extended period.
Along with the tablets, clear instructions on usage were provided, and Community Care Network volunteers conducted demonstrations on how to properly dissolve the tablets in water and safely store the purified water. This hands-on guidance ensured that families understood how to maximize the benefits of the tablets for everyday drinking water.
This intervention is expected to lead to a reduction in waterborne illnesses, providing immediate health benefits for the entire household. In particular, it offers protection for children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, who are at greater risk from unclean water. Additionally, by empowering families with knowledge and tools for safe water practices, this activity fosters long-term health resilience in the community.
Observations and Feedback
Community Reception: The community responded positively to the initiative, with beneficiaries particularly appreciative of the dignity kits and mosquito nets, which directly addressed essential health needs.
Health Impact: The distribution of mosquito nets and water purification tablets is anticipated to reduce malaria and waterborne diseases, improving community health outcomes.
Challenges: Some households required additional guidance on using the purification tablets, indicating a need for continuous community education on water safety.
Recommendations for Future Interventions
Expansion of Dignity Kit Coverage: The high demand for dignity kits suggests expanding this initiative to benefit more women and girls.
Follow-Up Visits: Regular visits to monitor the usage of mosquito nets and water purification practices could reinforce positive health outcomes.
Additional Hygiene Training: To maximize the impact of water purification tablets, more focused training sessions on safe water handling and storage are recommended
Conclusion
Through these targeted activities, the Community Care Network aimed to directly address urgent health and hygiene needs in Bura. The organization’s focus on distributing dignity kits, mosquito nets, and water purification tablets has not only provided essential resources but also promoted sustainable practices that will benefit the community’s health and well-being well into the future.
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Donations
The Remembrance tree fundraiser at Tesco Highfield raised donations for Southern Area Hospice Newry
Air ambulance
£4,000 each.
Youth
Young writers' competition
Youth Leadership competition
Mental Health Awareness
Portadown My Peaceful Place Photographic Competition.
Continuous working to improve healthcare for children throughout the world. https://www.endpolio.org/
Combined with our disaster relief fundraising and partnership with https://shelterbox.org/
Further information on all our worldwide projects is available at