Rotary Club of Drysdale tackling Trachoma

THE Rotary Club of Drysdale (RCoD) is doing its bit to tackle Trachoma, an infectious eye disease.

Rotary Club of Drysdale secretary Caroline Rickard said encouraging good hygiene was something that has become a real focus for the clubs around the region.

As part of this project, RCoD has put together colourful bags filled with individual toiletries which will be donated to a school in Finke, Northern Territory.

Thirty-one of these bags will make their way to the school with pupils to not only benefit from the products inside, but will also be taught how to take care of their hygiene to help stop the spread of this awful disease.

Ms Rickard outlined that this disease is not seen to be an issue in our day-to-day lives, largely due to the access we have to hygiene products, which are not always available to some aboriginal communities.

“It is a third-world disease that we happen to have in a first-world country,” Ms Rickard said.

“Rotary is all about helping your local, wider and national community out… we just look for the projects and try to contribute to the community.”

Ms Rickard was hopeful of striking an ongoing relationship with the school.

“We’re hoping there will be a connection to that area and our area on an ongoing basis.

“I remember having a pen pal in New Guinea when I was growing up. What an awesome way of finding out about different cultures.”

The Trachoma Project is a combined project for all Rotary Clubs.

Members of RCoD made donations to cover the costs of all the products.

Barwon Water donated water bottles to the cause.

Trachoma is an infectious eye disease causing a roughening of the inner surface of the eyelids leading to pain in the eyes, a breakdown of the outer surface or cornea of the eyes, and eventual blindness.