The Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise has been doing humanitarian work in the Dominican Republic since 1998. At that time the club had been looking for a good International project & had become aware of The Grey Sister’s, a group of Canadian Nun’s who were working in Consuelo, a small town approx 1½ hr. N/E of Santo Domingo (Capital). Blair Buchanan & Brian Thompson, (2 members) traveled to Consuelo to investigate possible future projects. Shortly after their return from Consuelo, Blair Buchanan received a call asking for help. A Hurricane had hit the area with the eye passing directly over Consuelo. Within 72 hours, 3 Rotarians, Blair Buchanan, Bob Jarvest, and Tom Sears were on a plane for Consuelo. They carried chain saws (to remove fallen trees), medicines, and perhaps most important of all roofing nails. While they were away the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise packed and shipped a 40 ft. sea container full of relief supplies. 
While tragic at the time, Hurricane George formed a strong bond between the people of Consuelo and Whitby Sunrise Rotarians. Many members have since made the yearly trip. Some worthwhile projects include:
- Bringing 2 young people suffering from a condition known as Brittle Bones disease, to Canada for life saving surgery.
- Supplying and distributing water filtration systems to local homes & schools.
- Shipping numerous containers full of medical, and school supplies. One of our latest projects has been La Loma.
- La Loma is an adult training center in Consuelo. It trains 314 students a year in trades such as Bartending, Cooking/baking, small engine repair, plumbing etc. To date 100% of the graduates have found work in nearby tourist resorts.
In 2002 the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise sponsored the construction of a new building for La Loma. In 2008, 8 people rode bicycles from Vancouver BC to Calgary AB to raise funds for an expansion of the school (http://www.vivalaloma.com/). Construction is presently underway with expected occupancy in the fall of 2009.
Many Rotarians are now planning their next trip in the fall of this year, where amongst other things, we plan to celebrate 50 yrs of service by the Grey Sisters to Consuelo.
