Examples of how small donations can create a large impact
$5 provides a mosquito net that prevents Malaria - a disease that kills many children
$10 provides enough PPE for their village healthcare workers for one week
$15 buys 1,000 units of minerals and vitamins for nourishment
$25 can immunize and provide health assessments for 5 young children
$50 can hire a midwife for prenatal care for up to 5 women in one day
$100 can hire a doctor and a nurse in the clinic for one day
After the video, Jolly expressed her deepest gratitude to our club members, sharing how much of an impact the Avon-Canton Rotary club has on the village. She said the people know our name, we are on the shirts of the medical professionals, their water, and their clinic, and ask about the Rotarians all the time. We have touched their lives. Jolly thanked our club for believing in the mission of GLO and being a part of their world. It takes a village to raise a village and this work would not be possible without the club.
After many Rotarians wiped their tears from being so touched, Jolly answered questions.
Yvonne Gardner commented that Jolly was such an inspiration and how it's incredible that what some of us spend daily on coffee could save a life if paid forward to GLO.
Scott Nardozi asked about the impact COVID has on Uganda. Jolly said thankfully the cases are still low and only about 15 people have passed away from COVID.
Rollie Sterrett asked Jolly about malaria medications. Jolly said that it is more complicated because people in Uganda need to take the medication more frequently due to increased exposure to the disease.
Kershwin Singh asked if the Ugandan government has considered introducing an animal species like bats to combat the mosquitoes. Jolly said that she hasn't thought about that nor has she heard of anything similar and is interested to look into it. Kershwin also asked Jolly what is the most common question that the people of Uganda ask her when she visits. Jolly replied they are very curious about how Americans live their lives.
Don Bonner asked what the next big project for GLO is. Jolly said she wants to focus on getting clean water after the clinic is established. She is working on connecting with the UCONN School of Engineering. They discussed that the water table is likely close enough that it could make for easier access.
Gary Roman commented that many of Jolly's stories start out sad, but always end uplifting and full of hope. He further asked how the government plays a role. Jolly replied that it can be very tricky as the government is corrupt. She focuses on creating positive personal relationships with individuals to gain access to the resources she needs to make her projects a success.
To support Guiding Light Orphans you can visit the website at http://www.guidinglightorphans.org