PH Award '23 - Community Recognition

Following the tragic events unfolding in The Ukraine, it happened that a Ukrainian family, fleeing the war, came to Norfolk County, more specifically to Port Dover. They had, only themselves. It became a community challenge to open arms and offer help to this family. It was an opportunity that Jennifer Rodger fully accepted.

The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) now recognizes Jennifer for the genuinely positive effect she has had on our community, the refugee situation in general and the specific plight of the Karida family.  Go to the 'Read more ...' tab to be introduced to the Karida family and for the Paul Harris Award citation describing Jennifer's contributions.
After the presentation, Jennifer addressed the group citing some additional background and offering her sincere gratitude to the RCNS for the help they (and many others) have provided. As the night had unfolded, she noted that a few people had asked about additional help requirements and that some had even enquired about private (anonymous) donations. To such an end, the following links are offered for the consideration of those with such an interest - the Norfolk Support for Ukrainian Refugees page at this link, as well as the Norfolk Catholic Parish page at this link,  

Well done, Jennifer - you exemplify the Rotary credo - 'Service above Self'.

 

In support of Jennifer's Paul Harris presentation, the Karida family joined in to participate in the celebration. Shown on the photo from the left are Liliya Karida, Afina Karida, Keith Jones, Yuan Karida, Jennifer Rodger and Zhenya Karida ... all enjoying a wonderful evening of recognition for something done so well for our community and for a family in need with a clear appreciation for the help received.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​​​​​​​Jennifer became involved with the Karida family when they moved into her neighbourhood. Having heard of the family`s horrific experiences Jenn set out to find them the most basic of needs. Through a Facebook group and newspaper articles she got the word out. Soon many donations of food, clothing ,furniture and other basics started to flow.
RCNS and RCS together with Grace United Church funded the purchase of a vehicle to make sure Zheyna Karida could continue his farm employment. Jennifer’s fundraising was so successful that the Port Dover Lions club and Dover Kia got involved to finalize the purchase, pay for insurance and provide new winter tires and rims.
Jennifers contacts allowed the family to move out of the temporary summer cottage and into a more permanent  dwelling at a very reasonable rent helped out by $8k raised by a local running club.
Jennifer sourced and raised sufficient funds to provide Liliya Karida with much needed therapy provided by a Russian speaking therapist.
From attending a 100 Men of Norfolk, Jennifer so impressed several members with her presentation that she received donations of $20k from two members. This funding plus assistance from the Port Dover Anglican Church and some anonymous donors has allowed Jennifer to arrange for 22 Ukrainian kids to enjoy sailing lessons, horse back riding, swimming lessons, gymnastics and to enroll in Art with Heart this summer.
Most recently Jennifer is working with Henderson Play Equipment and the Vittoria Foundation to provide permanent play equipment for Schaefer House being the renovation to the research facility championed by Titan Trailers where 16 Ukrainian kids live with their families. In Jennifer`s spare time she teaches high school in Brantford.