Interact is a group of youth committed to making a difference in the community and the world. These young people ages 12 to 18 come together for fellowship, leadership opportunities, service work and fundraising.
In four short years the Interact Club of Collingwood has made a significant impact on their community. When Abbie Saunders attended RYLA 4 years ago she learned about Interact and was very excited about the possibilities of starting a club. She worked with local Rotary clubs and made the dream a reality. The club is community based with members from the five local schools, including members from grades 7 and 8. Current president Izzy Houston is no stranger to service and to making a difference. She has been actively recruiting and the club has grown to 20 members. Social media is part of the success but in her words – just ask – the individual approach is best!
One of the first initiatives was the “Not a Car Wash”, a complete cleaning and detailing of the inside of the car. Unfortunately due to covid -19 they were not able to hold it this year, but will in the future. They also sponsored a back pack program, filling back packs with much needed school supplies for students who may not be able to afford it.
The club has been incredibly busy during Covid - 19. In December their creativity shone through when they launched the “Holiday Bow” fundraiser. Reusing newspapers they cut, painted and “created” eco-friendly holiday bows. The bows very quickly sold out and more than $500 was donated to the Barbara Weider House Youth Shelter. By popular demand this fundraiser will be repeated this next year.Also in December, Collingwood Interactors worked hard to spread some much needed holiday cheer and kindness in the community. On the first 12 days of the month they did a different act of kindness. The hope was to bring a smile to community members and in turn, inspire them to pay it forward! On the first day of cheer, members Erin and Emma cleaned up garbage on a town trail. After that, members were seen shoveling snow, leaving a kind note in a store for others to read or dropping off a treat to surprise someone. Members signed up for a minimum three days (of kindnesses) but soon surpassed this!
The “Pie in the Rotarian Face” is another popular fundraiser! For a minimum donation of $3 Rotarians were the recipients of a pie and all donations went toward Gifts of Hope, an international project of the club.
In February the club partnered with Plan International: Gifts of Hope to purchase birth certificates for children in Kenya. Thanks to Interact, almost $4000 was sent and more than 150 Kenyan children now have birth certificates.
In March they continued on their international journey and joined with a club in Sao Paula to share their culture. They joined meetings on zoom and “exchanged” slide shows about their clubs, their interests, their cultures and their countries.
Going forward they are hoping to plan and sponsor a Youth Open House, partnering with local organizations that work with youth to share information, resources and supports. They are also planning a town wide scavenger hunt (when circumstances allow) to get the community out and involved and have some fun!
The club is engaged and social. They continue to meet weekly (via zoom) and include games and social time in each meeting. In addition to their own fundraisers and projects, Interactors are visible supporting their sponsor Rotary Club events including the “Taste of the Town” where they hosted a mini carnival for kids, participating in clean up and speaking at club meetings.
President Izzy’s motto is “keep it simple and do it well” and there is no doubt they do just that. We have a lot to learn from these young leaders. Set a goal, make a plan and make it happen!
For more information about the club, its projects and fundraisers, contact President Izzy Houston or any members. For more information about Interact or starting an Interact Club contact District Committee Chair Christine Carr. Thank you Interact Club of Collingwood for all you do!