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Humanitarian Objectives:
Young children die by drowning at an alarming rate in Alaska, including in the target area: the Mat -Su Borough. This program saves lives by
• increasing water safety literacy and awareness, and
• providing personal flotation devices (suitably sized for children) for on-the-spot loan near bodies of water, while also
• enhancing basic literacy through an engaging presentation where each child receives a story book to take home.
"Josh the Baby Otter" presentations will occur in schools near the end of the academic year, in the weeks just before children begin summer activities which will likely take them near water. "Kids Don't Float" (KDF) kiosks will be constructed during the summer at two new sites, and existing kiosks will be resupplied with PFDs at the beginning of the summer weather.
Active Rotarian Involvement:
Rotarians and other community volunteers distribute "Josh the Baby Otter" books at an in-school group assembly, at schools throughout the Mat-Su Borough. Typically, a team of 5 Rotarians lead children through a story, singing together with body movements, leading to a water safety pledge and receiving their book with a Rotary sticker, an associated coloring book, a CD with songs, and a fun sticker. The assembly is enhanced by a visit by our costumed mascot "Josh the Otter" who joins in the singing and actions.
"Josh the Baby Otter" safety instruction is complemented by "Kids Don't Float" stations installed and maintained by Rotarians at area bodies of water.
Publicity Plan:
We achieve public awareness through the visibility the children provide by bringing their books home to parents and siblings, and through press releases, social media and direct contacts. "Kids Don't Float" kiosks are a continuous presence at area bodies of water, and are also highlighted through social media. Both the books and kiosks are marked with Rotary symbols.
Cooperating Organization: The "Josh the Baby Otter" program is presented in conjunction with the Joshua Collingsworth Foundation (a 501(c)3 charitable organization) and school partners including the Mat-Su Borough School District. "Kids Don't Float" is presented in partnership with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and Alaska Office of Boating Safety. Letters of participation are not available, yet the Rotary Club of Susitna has been recognized as a Rotary Hero for Water Safety
(see http://www.joshtheotter.org/resources/rotary/rotaryheroesforwatersafety.html) for past projects.
Budget:
The total budget includes purchase of 1,700 book/CD packages at a cost of US$3.50 each (includes shipping). Population estimates for the Mat Su Borough show just under 1,700 children in the target age will reside in the borough in 2017-18. Any unused books will be retained for distribution in future years. This budget also includes two (2) "Kids Don't Float" stations at US$275.00 each. If we are able to install and equip the two stations for less than US$550.00, we will use remaining funds to replenish supplies at existing stations.
Addendum to Project Description (added after the project was signed)
Due to the cancellation of another Rotary district grant, the district grants committee voted to authorize $1,000 to Project P-1587, Water Safety & Literacy.
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