Rotary secures $50K commitment for NMC nursing equipment

The Rotary Club of Saipan is moving forward with plans to donate $50,000 worth of nursing equipment to Northern Marianas College after its international partners reduced an initial funding request of more than $100,000.

The proposed donation, being pursued through a Rotary global grant with the Rotary Club Tokyo West, is among several community projects the club is undertaking, including coastal protection, the distribution of trash cans in public areas, and the continuation of its school mentorship program.

During its Oct. 27 meeting, Rotary president Irene Holl said the nursing equipment project, led by Dr. Peter Gregor, had received a $50,000 commitment, although the original request exceeded $100,000.

“Tokyo West came back and said we cannot give more than $50,000,” the club president said.

The reduced funding prompted organizers to revise the equipment list, with hospital beds among the items removed. The club said its international partners remain committed to the $50,000 contribution, although the final equipment list and delivery timetable have yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, Rotary is preparing to distribute 30 trash cans in parks and other public areas around Saipan under its Project Trashcan initiative.

Led by former associate justice Perry Inos, the project has secured 30 used drums and prepared Rotary stickers for the containers. The club has also coordinated with the Division of Parks and Recreation on distribution, initially targeted for the first week of November.

The club is also advancing its Coastal Prevention Initiative, having contacted seven stakeholders as part of efforts to assess coastal conditions and identify possible solutions.

Rotary plans to bring participating organizations together for further discussions before preparing a report outlining common priorities and potential areas of collaboration.

On education, the club intends to continue its school mentorship program for a third year under Saipan Community Church pastor Stephen Dame. Several schools have already inquired about the program's continuation, prompting preparations for another round of mentoring activities.

The club also held its annual trunk-or-treat celebration at American Memorial Park last Oct. 31, providing a Halloween activity for children and families.