OPERATION SMILE

Helen Hertneky, (above photo from Zoom video) Oconomowoc resident, and long time volunteer for Operation Smile, explained to both in-person Rotarian attendees and those tuning in virtually, that the organization estimates that there are millions of children waiting for care in the 34 countries where they work.  The majority of these children are unable to receive the medical care they need because it is too costly, far away, or specialized. Because of this, being born with a cleft condition can be fatal. If a child survives, they may face bullying and social isolation.  “Through our expertise in treating cleft lip and cleft palate, we create solutions that deliver safe surgery to people where it’s needed most,” said Helen.

Operation Smile built the local capacity to provide surgery and dental care for 19,000+ children each year, knowing that people in low resource environments are more than capable of revolutionizing the delivery of care and creating solutions to the problems their people face. All they need are the resources to make it happen.  Operation Smile currently provides world-class cleft care in more than 30 countries supported by more than 6,000 volunteers from 60 countries.

SCOUTS & ROTARY HIGHWAY CLEANUP

14 Scouts and five Rotarians picked up trash on Highway 16 Saturday. Thank you Troop 12 for covering the miles with us. According to Rotarian Dave Perry, "It turned out to be a lovely and successful day, even light winds to make handling big bags easier!  We filled 18 bags and found one dresser drawer."

NEXT WEEK: STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS & DISTRICT GOVERNOR VISIT!