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West Jordan Journal

West Jordan Club Promotes Awareness and Service in the Community

Jan 28, 2016 01:39PM ● By Bryan Scott

By Mylinda LeGrande | [email protected]

West Jordan - Each Thursday, the West Jordan Exchange club meets at 7:30 a.m. to have their weekly breakfast meeting. This meeting’s guest speaker was Gwen Knight, a third district CASA Program Coordinator, for the West Jordan City office. She was there to promote awareness to the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). She hoped that the Exchange Club would help spread the word about much needed and appreciated volunteers to the organization.

The Exchange Club of West Jordan has three main purposes.  The first is to raise awareness of and prevent child abuse, the second is to promote patriotism, and finally it is to help instill community pride. 

“We have a rich culture here in this particular chapter. I love what this group does and how it contributes to the city,” Michel Erdman, 2016 president elect, said.

Officials of the organization are president Jennifer Campbell, pres. elect Michel Erdman, secretary Paul Evans and treasurer Don Findlay. They, along with other members of the club and with the help of the community, have planned a few primary events in 2016 that support their three part mission including the Ace Scholarship Awards, Child Abuse Awareness Field display, Comcast Cares Day the Western Stampede Dutch Oven Fundraiser and the Flag Day Flag display. 

In March, they will be presenting $500 ACE (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) Award Scholarships sponsored by the Dannon Company, Western Division, to a few deserving high school students that have been nominated by their teachers for overcoming significant changes.  

The Child Abuse Awareness Prevention Fields are another one of the projects that the exchange club focuses on each year.  This is in the form of a “Healing Field” which will display about 1000 flags in Veterans Memorial Park (1985 W. 7800 S.).  It will serve as a visible reminder about child abuse in our community.

On April 30, they will participate in Comcast Cares Day. They encourage the community to participate in the day of service to clip, plant, paint and spruce up West Jordan City. They want to remember that they need other people and groups such as scout and church youth groups, neighbors and neighborhoods, as well as businesses to mark the date.  There will be various service projects throughout the city to choose from. The Exchange Club also displays flags on June 6 in Veterans Memorial Park. The display is in conjunction with the library’s summer reading kickoff party.  The club is in charge of washing, mending, caring for and storing the flags. They also set them up and take them down.

In July, Dutch oven food, made by exchange members, is sold at the rodeo to help with fundraising for the club. It is a much needed element for the success of the club.  At the city council meeting on Oct. 28, Kim Wells, public information officer, commented on this project and explained how each year the City of West Jordan joins with other cities across the nation to recognize individuals who have created positive change in their community. 

“Through their extra mile efforts in volunteerism, and service, we recognize that one good deed makes a difference. West Jordan is once again participating in this nationwide movement and has proclaimed Nov. 1, 2015, as Extra Mile Day. Brad Baker, West Jordan Exchange Club member, raised thousands of dollars at the Western Stampede rodeo and Demolition Derby. These proceeds went toward preventing child abuse. Brad was generous with his time, and has sacrificed more than a little sleep to promote child abuse prevention. Thanks for your help fighting this evil,” she said.

During the West Jordan Parade, the members also enjoy passing out hundreds of American flags to promote patriotism. 

“I love being involved with the community especially those who are in this group with the projects we participate,” Don Findlay, retired school teacher and member of the club, said.

This club is always looking for new members. Find out more by emailing [email protected].