Shanghai Young Bakers

Service Above Self – the creed of Rotarians around the globe. The RCS Service Committee looks at each project for how we can serve the community and create chances for fellowship at the same time. Remember the multipliers I wrote about a few months ago?  They are everywhere in our service committee. Let’s look at Shanghai Young Bakers as an example.

SYB is one of the great organizations we are thrilled to support. The school provides young kids from the countryside who can’t go to college with a skilled trade that brings joy to everyone with a sweet tooth. The kids come together as a cohort in September, and from October they begin to learn their craft. Beginning in November, their products are available for sale online and in markets around Shanghai.

Last spring, RCS began the partnership with SYB. We donated a proofing oven to the students so that they could continue their education in bread dough. With our focus on service and fellowship, we donned our aprons at Jiashan Market on a glorious spring day to sell these yummy delights.

But that was just the beginning: In June, Tiziana represented RCS at the SYB graduation ceremony. Last week, I received a call from Senci, the new head of partnerships. She is looking to expand our relationship with support from Rotaract to help the new cohort adjust to Shanghai. She has also requested our support with the purchase of a flash freezer. Additionally, RCS will continue to volunteer with SYB at the holiday markets in November and December. Finally, stay tuned for a fellowship opportunity in November where you can learn the secret to an excellent éclair or a perfect panini from the student masters themselves.