Bracelets for children in Peru (Wisconsin Rotarian excels at giving)

When it comes to giving, Justin Bodin excels.

Justin, 24, became a member of the Holmen Area Rotary Club, Holmen, Wisconsin, USA, three years ago and quickly found a way to help children in a community in Peru enjoy a better Christmas. And it all started with something as simple as making a friendship bracelet.

Justin was born with a congenital heart disorder and was a special needs student through school. At 14, a friend of the family taught him how to tie friendship bracelets. Being a Rotarian runs in the family. His dad, Larry, served as the Holmen Area’s first president.

In 2011, during a visit to a small village in Peru to donate and install clean water systems, the club was asked if they could raise US$1,000 for the children to have Christmas presents. Dean McHugh, president of the club at the time, knew just who to ask. While Justin couldn’t travel to Peru because of his heart condition, he was great at tying friendship bracelets. He jumped at the opportunity to help the kids in Peru. Read More ...