Rotary President Lynn Granger’s Tanzanian Adventure: Service, Safari, and Spreading Rotary Values

Rotary President Lynn Grainger of the Millbrook Rotary Club has recently returned from an enriching journey to Tanzania, where her experience combined both personal growth and community service. This adventure not only deepened her connection to Rotary International's values but also provided essential support to those in need.

Lynn's trip began with a Facebook opportunity, coincidentally aligning six women, including a nutritionist and a CPR expert, to venture to Tanzania in January 2025. Their destination was "The Small Things," an orphanage near AUSA, focusing on reuniting children with their extended families when their parents are unable to care for them. "It was a calculated risk that I was taking," Lynn noted, "because I knew Bonnie, but not the other women."

The group's mission was multifaceted. They brought donations, such as twin-sized sheets for the orphanage, and assisted in various educational and health initiatives. Lynn, an educator, supported the preschool on site by introducing games into the educational process and engaging with the children during recess. Reflecting on her time there, she stated, “Sometimes it was just reading with them and giving them some one-on-one attention.”

A unique aspect of the trip was the five-day safari that followed, offering Lynn and her companions the chance to explore Tanzania's rich wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. The safari experience was framed by Lynn as a "reverse zoo," where animals wander freely around the safari Jeep, safeguarded by rangers armed against potential threats.

During her stay, Lynn also had the chance to attend a local Rotary meeting at the Sheridan Hotel in Tanzania, where she connected with other Rotarians. This meeting inspired Ruben, their driver, to join Rotary International, eventually becoming President-elect of the Clock Tower Rotary Club. Ruben and Lynn's effort to educate children on reducing plastic waste exemplifies Rotary's mission to create positive change.

Back in Millbrook, NY, the Rotary Club remains active and involved in various initiatives, including the Millbrook New Year's Eve Festival scheduled for December 31st, from 4 PM to 8 PM, and the Millbrook Community Refrigerator project. The community refrigerator project has significantly impacted local families by offering food security without judgment. More information about Millbrook Rotary Club’s activities is available on their website or by joining meetings at the Millbrook Café or the Millbrook Library.

For further inquiries or participation, the Millbrook Rotary Club welcomes you to discover the enriching possibilities of rotary.org.

Listen to the full interview: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/uJlt2TpieZb