Inner City & Youth & Initiatives Committee – ICYIC
The Inner City & Youth Initiatives Committee (ICIYC Committee) is responsible for managing any projects that involve children, youth and has a focus on the inner city. The past projects of this committee include the Rotary Summer Literacy Project, Slapshot, RYLA, EarlyAct, Rotaract and our Books, Books, Books, A Book for every Child, Vision Cares and the Science Fair. In addition to these projects the ICYIC Committee is currently working on these initiatives:
CORE Kids – After School Program: Our 24 week after school program offers barrier free programing to over 75 children & youth each day. The program offers a safe and free program that offers recreational, homework help and STEM Programming. Each day children have the opportunity to participate in various program options between 2:30-4:00pm. At the end of program, each participant enjoys a hot dinner at Mission Services with our program staff. In addition, we receive funding to offer the WeRMac & Wanakitta Experience to all grade 7 & 8 students at Cathy Wever School. These experiences engage the youth to experience university life and experience post-secondary education options
Ethical Dilemma Essay Contest: This project was offered by the Mountain Rotary Club in the past and has migrated to Rotary Club of Hamilton. Students are offered an opportunity to write an essay based on three ethical dilemma options. The essays are judged and we provide the recipients with a cash prize
Rotary Rocks – Little Rocks Curling: This is our District 7090 Matching Grant project this year. Each week students can walk to the Victoria Curling Club to learn the basic skills of Curling. Rotarian John Clinton works with volunteers to teach these children the basics including having an end of program party to celebrate their achievements. After our Rotary Rocks training, children can continue to participate in programming at the curling Club and get the equipment required through our matching grant.
Children’s Christmas Celebration: Our largest hands on service project takes place in December. Over 700 children will receive a traditional turkey dinner (Halal option as well) served by Rotarians and over 80 volunteers from the community. This is a magical day filled with entertainment, food and a visit from Santa Clause. Mark your calendar now for December 12th as we will need Rotarians to help serve and feed the children. To cover the costs associated with this project, we promote Virtual Stockings on line. Every stocking purchased ($20) feeds 3 children and provides a new book for each of them. A tax receipt is issued. There are a number of sponsorship opportunities to help feed a class! This is a magical event as we fill tummies and put the smiles on the faces of over 700 children!
Career Exploration Days: We received an ABACUS Grant from the Hamilton Community Foundation. This will be our second Career Exploration Day. All grade 7 & 8 students at Cathy Wever School will participate in a day filled with motivational speakers and select career explorational activities and speakers focused on select skills. The program helps students identify career and post-secondary school options.
Books, Books, Books – A Book for Every Child: The gift of literacy! The Rotary Club of Hamilton is committed to literacy. The Books, Books, Books Projects offers an opportunity for children to select a book of their choice to take home and enjoy. Thanks to our partners Hamilton Public Library and First Books Canada over 2,500 have been given to children this year, helping them create their own home library. Additional books are then placed in the Little Library located in the Gibson-Landsdale Neighbourhood (located in front of Cathy Wever School)
The Inner City & Youth Initiatives Committee budget is created through the funds we raise as a Rotary Club. Our annual Sunshine Fund Members Appeal, Special Events like our Golf Tournament and our annual Virtual Stockings all help raise some of the funds needed to offer theses programs. In addition, we are able to leverage those funds with grants and funds from the Halton Hamilton United Way and various grants from the Hamilton Community Foundation.
Many of our Rotary Club’s projects and initiatives involve all members and engage children & youth in our local community. It is amazing that over 5,000 children & youth will benefit from the many projects and initiatives of our Rotary Club
Committee Chair: John Clinton
ICYIC Committee meets the 1st Thursday of each month at 8:00am-9:30am in the Board Room at Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home -Robinson Chapel. (Currently the committee meets virtually)