"What we're trying to do is make a difference," says Jereme Ramsay, president of Rotaract Bermuda, the youth division of Rotary International.

And it seems as though he and the club are succeeding, as they prove by presenting a donation of $750 to Family Services for Christmas.

Thanks to Rotaract, five families will receive both a $100 voucher from the MarketPlace and a $50 voucher from the Phoenix stores - just in time for the Christmas season. The money was raised by the youngsters through a Walkathon and bake sales.

"Rotaract is an international organisation for young people between the ages of 18 and 30 that fosters leadership, responsible citizenship, and encourages high ethical standards in business and promotes international understanding and peace," Jereme continued.

The club raises money for different charities as well as sending members to a conference held every three years in order to orient the club with Rotaract International. Often, as part of promoting international understanding, Rotaract also becomes the central meeting place for students who take part in the Rotary International Exchange Programme - both Bermudians who have gone on exchange themselves, and foreign exchange students spending the year here in Bermuda.

The club has big plans in line to achieve their goals. On the agenda for the early part of the New Year, says Jereme, are an International Food Tasting event, a raffle, and the main event - an auction.

"We'll be auctioning our services," Jereme said. "It's the Service Above Self Rotaract International Auction 2002." Anyone interested in learning more about Rotaract or joining the club can email the members at rotaractbdahotmail.com.