You may have noticed the presence of young people from all over the world, though primarily from Eastern Europe, as you shop at Hannaford and other stores around town.

The Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor is proud to offer a program that provides every summer worker from abroad with a bike, new or fully refreshed. As the only transportation these young people have, the bikes prove to be extremely important by giving freedom and mobility to the users. There is no charge for their use, but they must be returned in good condition for use in subsequent summers.

The Bikes Initiative is but one example of Rotary International’s motto, “service above self.” Rotarians saw a need and moved to fulfill that need. The smiles on the faces of the young people who get their bikes is all the reward needed.

In addition to being recipients of bikes, many of the young people offered to help with the Auction.

Auction notes

The 62nd Rotary Auction takes place on Aug. 4 this year at the high school’s playing fields, starting at 8 a.m. It takes a huge effort to load up and deliver all the items from the storage to the site of the Auction. This is done the Friday before the Auction.  It’s a wonderful help having young people pitching in, and a great way for them to thank Rotary for the loan of bicycles. 

The annual Rotary Auction is the club’s major fundraiser every year, and it takes all hands on deck to make it happen. Rotary couldn’t be more pleased to have these young people helping out. 

Also helping to make the Auction a success is the support of local businesses in the form of sponsorships.  This year’s sponsors include the Boothbay Harbor Country Club, Abacus, Ames Hardware, Boothbay Region Schools, Dead River, First National Bank (The First), First Federal, J. Edward Knight, Southport Island Marine, and Tindal and Callahan.