SPEAKER: Rotarian Janet Thornsteinson
Sew Girls Can Go To School
Dave Andrews introduced Janet. As a Whitby Sunrise Rotarian, Janet is a community leader. After her children ‘retired’ from their hocky fun she searched for like-minded community leaders and found her Rotary family. Janet is part of the Vocation committee, Youth committee, and just finished chairing the International Service committee. In addition to travelling to the Dominican Republic, she went to Laos to help Steve Rutledge in the Adopt A Village Laos project. In early 2026 she will go to the Dominican Republic to aid the villages near Consuelo Sugar Cane fields and help install solar lighting, do housing repairs and, ofr course, deliver over 500 kits to girls at the rural schools.
Fighting period poverty one kit at a time
Janet shared her personal journey to become the spokesperson and facilitator for this project that provides menstruation kits to girls in the Dominican Republic (plus Laos, and Cambodia) She demonstrated what each kit contained and how the items were made. Each kit comes in a reusable tote with 12-14 liners, 2 leakproof shields, 2 pairs of underwear, a Ziplock bag (for used pads), a washcloth, washing soap, and hand soap. Sometimes they include toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Janet facilitates sewing events where everyone can help, make these kits. There is no need to know how to use a sewing machine. She has it organized so that everyone can contribute.
She is often asked why this project is so important and she provides these six reasons.
When we educate a girl, the whole community benefits.
Boys used to think that girls dropped out of school because they were stupid.
School builds self esteem and self-worth for tomorrow’s leaders.
This leads to better relationships with less abuse.
Helps break the cycle of early pregnancy.
Fathers are proud of their daughters.
Q&A
Yvonne asked when are the sewing events?
Usually in March and April and in fall from Sept. to Dec. She is going to come to our club in March.
Shashi asked about sewing classes for girls to learn.
It is hard to do this because machines don’t fair well in that climate and the schools don’t even have textbooks or electricity.
Dave A asked Janet to describe the living conditions.
They are deplorable with little sanitation, poorly constructed houses, and no money to buy necessities.
Neil asked if there is a wish list that people can access.
Yes. Medical supplies, Bras, panties, dental supplies, baseball caps and long sleeve T-shirts are all needed.
Rotarian Larry Hurren thanked our speaker.
For more information visit Sew Girls Can Go To School Facebook page.
Meeting adjourned by President Dave @ 8:15 pm
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