The Pollos Story
By Chip Lindloff
Rotary Club of Reno Centennial Sunset
In March of 2023 the Rotary Club of Reno Centennial Sunset partnered with Carson City and a newly formed club in Penenome, Panama on a Global Grant that allowed for the installation of a 12,000 gallon -water tank in Sofre, Panama. The tank and filtration system provided running water to 300 households in the village of Sofre that had never had that luxury. Lifelong friends were made.
I have returned to Panama on numerous occasions and on my visit in January 2025 I had lunch with a few Rotarians from Penenome. We continue to seek opportunities to collaborate in the future.
After lunch, and prior to departing, I inquired, “what do you need”. Rotarian Carolina Goez responded, “Pollos”.
What?
Chickens?
Carolina enlightened me about the Interact Club in Penenome and how they were raising chickens that could later be sold and consumed. The funds would then be used for community projects focused on upgrading underprivileged elementary school facilities.
Naturally I asked, “how much do you need”? She replied, $180 USD. I texted my buddies from the club, Larie and Curt, and I handed her the money as I left.
This week I emailed Carolina and asked, “how are the chickens”?
Her response, with the photos:
With the money raised from the sale of chickens through the “Wings of Progress” project, the school community built a complete bathroom for kindergarten students, equipped with a sink and a shower. This improvement significantly enhances hygiene and well-being for the youngest children, demonstrating the direct impact of the project on school infrastructure and students’ quality of life.
Special thanks to my fellow Rotarians Larie Trippet and Curt Chapman for their financial support as well. I guess it just never hurts to ask, “what do you need”?
