Cars 2nd Chance
Cars 2nd Chance is a low-overhead, high-value vehicle donation program that generates funds for local charities.
Our volunteers administer the program keeping overhead exceptionally low so that the charities get the highest value.
Partnering with other non-profits allows us to exponentially increase our impact in the community.
End Polio Now
For nearly 25 years, Rotary has worked tirelessly to eradicate polio worldwide. We are almost there; only two countries remain. Until polio is eradicated, every child is at risk. Our club raises funds and public awareness, most recently by creating and showing virtual reality films that provide an immersive storytelling experience.
After factoring in a 9:1 matching from other organizations, our club members contribute $25,000 to the End Polio Now campaign annually.
Family Harvest Farm
Family Harvest Farm employs transition-age foster youth in a hands-on job-readiness program, teaching marketable skills and preparing them for life beyond foster care.
We worked side by side with the founders to help launch this valuable program. Our initial contributions were primarily infrastructure; for example, we planned and installed: irrigation systems, a propagation greenhouse, a security system, two refurbished shipping containers to protect tools and supplies, and a vegetable wash station.
HOME Team
Basic repairs are provided at no charge to seniors on a scheduled basis. The goal is to help seniors stay in their homes safely. HOME team is our signature project, now ten years old, and adopted by more than 30 other Rotary clubs.
International
Every few years, our members have had the option to travel to Guatemala to participate in building a house for a family in need. These boots-on-the-ground projects are part of our club’s DNA.
More recently, we undertook a project to install concrete floors and vented stoves in the homes of fifty families in rural Guatemala. This project will reduce parasitic infestations, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, eye damage, burns, heart and lung disease, and cancer. People will lead longer and healthier lives; students will miss less school, too. The solutions are also good for the environment.
Hope Solutions
Heals the effects of poverty and homelessness by providing permanent housing solutions and vital support services to highly vulnerable families and individuals. We instill holiday traditions for resident families by organizing interactive events. We also support the Hope Solutions homework clubs, which help close the achievement gap of students.
Lamorinda Village
Lamorinda Village supports residents over the age of 55 who want to remain safely and independently in their homes. We provide a limited number of supported memberships for those who need assistance with the annual membership fee.
Rotary Youth Camps
Rotary District 5160 (Northern California) hosts three camps each year for eligible students. Two of the camps concentrate on personal development and leadership, while the third is a training and motivational camp for students interested in pursuing entrepreneurial careers. We select qualified applicants and pay the cost for them to participate.
In 2023, new youth programs will be introduced within the Lamorinda community.
Scholarships
Lamorinda Sunrise offers Nursing, Automotive Service Technician, and STEM scholarships. We also provide Life Advancement Opportunities for apprentices at Family Harvest Farm.
Shelterbox
Lamorinda Sunrise is proud to support Shelterbox, a Rotary partner in disaster relief around the world. Volunteers from this Rotarian-founded organization provide hands-on assistance and equipment to those in need, whenever and wherever crisis strikes. The iconic green “Shelterbox” contains a tent, water purification system, solar lights, a cook set, tools, and hygiene supplies—so that displaced people can have private shelter, security, warmth and dignity as they begin to rebuild their lives.
STEM Conference
The Expanding Your Horizons/Techbridge STEM conference hosted at Saint Mary’s College annually creates educational opportunities for 200 middle school girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary provides volunteers and financial support to this AAUW Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette event.
Welcoming Refugee Families
Through the Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) organization, we have worked with two Afghan families to help them get settled in our communities. We have provided support in helping them find jobs, taking them shopping, driving them to medical appointments, getting their children enrolled and settled in school, learning language skills, and even learning to drive and get their licenses. We have learned so much through these families about their challenges in learning a new language, getting jobs, supporting themselves, and dealing with a new culture and customs.
White Pony Express
White Pony Express efficiently connects an abundance of food with those in need. WPE needed an additional refrigerated delivery van to extend its reach in Contra Costa County. Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary spearheaded a campaign to raise close to $100,000 to purchase a van that allows WPE to expand its reach. The van was placed into service in March 2023 and is pictured. Each month our members volunteer at the WPE distribution center.