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Rotary Club of Marlborough

Service Above Self since 1922

Projects

Uganda – Kira School Global Grant Project

Partnering with the Rotary Club of Kira, Uganda

Our own Peggy Sheldon was a major figure in helping to coordinate this Global Grant project with the Rotary Club of Kira in Uganda. The video of the project is below. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Marlborough and the Rotary Club of Kira and the Rotary District 7910.

Rotary Club of Marlborough and Kira Global Grant

The Rotary Club of Marlborough creates Community “Friend Fridge”

The Rotary Club of Marlborough Creates Community “Friend Fridge” to Serve Food-Insecure Residents
100% Solar-Powered Refrigerator One of the First of its Kind on East Coast.

Community Fridge
First Solar Powered Community Fridge in the Northeast.

May 10, 2024: On Sunday, May 19 at 12:15pm, Marlborough residents and members of the Rotary Club of Marlborough will come together to celebrate the unveiling of a new community initiative: the “Friend Fridge”, a solar-powered, central refrigerator that will provide donated items to individuals and families in the city.

In an effort to alleviate hunger and provide relief to local individuals and families facing food insecurity, the Rotary Club of Marlborough, the Brigham Family Trust, and Marlborough Makers, along with Girl Scout and AMSA student Katelyn Massey, collaborated to make this concept a reality. This program is also supported in part by a grant from the Marlborough Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Katelyn Massey - Community Fridge
Community Fridge

Located in front of the Immaculate Conception Church, the Friend Fridge will be primarily operated by community and Rotary members. It will run entirely on solar power, ensuring self-sufficiency – one of the first of its kind in the country. Maintenance check-ups on the solar equipment and fridge clean-ups will be coordinated weekly along with donations from local businesses.

“The idea of the Friend Fridge was inspired by other communities that had successfully implemented this concept to help alleviate food shortages,” said Katelyn Massey. “Through extensive research and careful consideration, this was identified as the ideal solution to reduce food insecurity in Marlborough by fostering community collaboration. I take pride in this being my Gold Award project, and I’m even more proud to be involved in it. Thanks to everyone for their support in making this available to residents who need it.”

Food insecurity is nearing levels close to those seen during the COVID pandemic. According to Project Bread, “Approximately 18.8% of all households in MA reported food insecurity in September 2023.” While there are established food support services in Marlborough, long lines and item scarcity are constant challenges.

“Food banks and pantries are overwhelmed, costs are still soaring,” said Mark Vital, Marlborough Rotarian. “We have an opportunity to help our neighbors in a meaningful way. This is what community is all about; we help when and how we can, and hope to lift each other up when times are hard.”

Residents interested in learning more about food donations and other ways to get involved with the Friend Fridge can check out this Facebook page or this Instagram profile.

The address for the ribbon cutting is:
Immaculate Conception Church (adjacent side of the building)
11 Prospect St, Marlborough MA 01752

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Join us and help work to solve issues in the community, region and world. Below are some of our projects.

Heart Sounds
A non profit providing learning and health clinics for women in Uganda
Kits for Kids
One of the many charities the Rotary Club of Marlborough supports in the city.
Rotary Homestead
Our goal for the Rotary Homestead is to open a women’s homeless shelter in a few years.

Local Projects

Annual Scholarships to Graduating Seniors (Marlborough High School, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Advanced Math and Science Academy)

Annual Reality Fair – Financial Literacy for Students (Marlborough High School and in the past with Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School) New this year to Advanced Math and Science Academy and New England Innovation Academy.

Marlborough Public Schools Business Professionals of America School to Career Program and Assabet Valley Regional Technical School Volunteer Assistance as Project Judges

Our Weekly Meeting

We meet Thursdays 12:00 p.m to 1:30 p.m.

Bolton Street Tavern
587 Bolton Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
508-485-4416

Rotary Club of Marlborough
PO Box 186
Marlborough MA 01752
rotary@marlboroughrotary.org

 

Rotary 2024 – 2025 Theme

Event & Program Schedule

Each week we have interesting speakers from the community and surrounding areas.

2/20/2025 – Taylor Eagan – The Nature Connection
2/27/2025 – Roundtable
3/6/2025 – Family Promise – Note we are meeting at the Marlborough Public Library.
3/13/2025 – Uganda Project Trip – Peggy Sheldon

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