|
Since early 2008, the Rotary Club of Vancouver Quadra joined with the Salvation Army - Harbour Light and the BC Association of Podiatrists to hold "Eastside Foot Clinic". Over four hundred street people were served in March, June & September. Street people attending were able to wash their feet, obtain a new pair of socks and receive a re-conditioned pair of running shoes. Upon request, 35 clients were able to obtain the services of a Podiatrist for their foot infections or other ailments. Many men and women living on the street suffer from poor foot hygiene leading to serious foot infections and, in some cases, amputation of toes and feet.
The last clinic of 2008 was the successful Eastside Foot Clinic held on Saturday December 6, 2008. Quadra Rotarians gave away nearly 400 pairs of shoes to the homeless at the Salvation Army Harbour Light Centre in Vancouver. The Foot Clinic has become an important service to this community offering footwear, socks and podiatry which promotes good health and will help protect these individuals from the winter weather.
Our club was again supported by the BC Association of Podiatrists with two podiatrists on site. Our thanks go once again to Dr Duff and Dr Beekil and their invaluable help.
Our club was also supported by the volunteers from the Detoxification program from the Salvation Army. Ten members of the Rotary Club of Vancouver Quadra worked hard during the clinics and were warmed by the opportunity to serve the less fortunate members of our community.
Funding recently has come from Lush Cosmetics whose support is greatly appreciated. In the future Lush Cosmetics will be joined by Face the World Foundation and along with fundraising through the Rotary Club of Vancouver Quadra; we are set to continue this good work into 2009 with at least 4 more clinics planned for next year. We will also look for other ways to extend this program to those in need.
|
