Well, I made it to the quad around 11:00 am this morning, during a heavy mist that left everything in the area quite damp. If you plan to visit the ShelterBox Rotaractors and make a donation, the SBox tent and equipment display is located on the north end of the Illini Quad, just south of the Illini Student Union patio. When I arrived, one Rotaractor was on hand to solicit donations of $1, with a promise to give the donor a freshly made S’more, when it was dry enough to create heat in the charcoal container. While waiting for other volunteers to show up, Josh, a former Club President & Youth Exchange Student, and I finished assembling a few items in the interior of the tent. Later, current Club President, Suzanna Storms, joined us around 12:15 pm, after her 11:00 am class. A little later another Club member from China and her friend were making S’mores after the coals finally heated up.I had a great time talking to each student about Rotary, their Rotary Connections, and the dream of one man shared by one small Rotary Club in Cornwall, England, that eventually inspired ShelterBox International to Partner with Rotary International, in providing Shelter, Warmth, Dignity and Hope to disaster survivors throughout the World. Please try to stop by tomorrow to talk to these Illini Rotaractors, who will soon become leaders for World Peace and Understanding. At least four Illini will sleep in the tent throughout the night, and you can visit with them tomorrow, Friday, April 12th until 4:00 pm. As you talk with them about their world and their passions, don’t forget to make a substantial donation to their cause, and make sure you get a hot, sticky S’more, when you walk away with that huge SMILE on your face!
Yours in Rotary and ShelterBox Service,
Gary L. Olsen, AIA
