District Puerto Rico Project - David Moyers and Don Reeves

PDG Dave Moyers described the District 5280 humanitarian service trip to Puerto Rico as a personal experience of what Rotary means.  Dave and Don showed a series of photos from the trip (taken by Rick Mendoza).  There were a total of 13 projects, chosen by leaders of Puerto Rico Rotary District 7000 from local proposals, based on need, practicality, and hands-on participation.

In the town of Manatí, they built a modern restroom for special-needs Down Syndrome children (at a public school).  These children require assistance for their hygiene needs, and previously had almost no restroom facilities.  The Rotarians also built them a special play area with low-impact equipment and flooring, to provide a safe play environment for these children who are very prone to injury because of poor muscle control.  The photos showed a welcoming Rotary banner from the local Rotary Club, and gifts of artwork including an exquisitely-painted plate.

Another project, cosponsored by the Rotary Club of Santurce, built a hydroponic farm (growing food in water without soil), to help poor people in a housing complex to grow food for themselves with enough additional to sell.  The equipment included a system of hundreds of feet of plastic pipes with holes drilled in them for plants to grow from seeds in foam plugs in these holes.  Water and fertilizer are circulated through these pipes without soil.  A plastic sheet roof was built to provide adequate sunlight and shelter for the facility.  The total cost was $19,000, including a matching grant from the Rotary Foundation.

Another project was providing wheelchairs for children, elderly and disabled people, many of whom previously had to crawl on the ground for mobility.  Their gratitude on receiving this life-transforming gift was heartwarming.  This was featured in the major local newspaper.

An enjoyable feature for the District 5280 Rotarian visitors was the opportunity for fellowship with each other as members of different Clubs in our District, and with the Puerto Rican Rotarians, as one big family enjoying the feeling of fulfillment by serving the needs of others.  They enjoyed touring the sights of this beautiful tropical island, including the Bacardi Distillery, the old fortifications and waterfront of the capital, San Juan, and the beautiful El Yunque Rainforest Park with La Coca (Coconut) Falls.