A group of local volunteers returned to the Island this weekend after performing a community service many miles from home.

Seven members of the Sandys Rotary Club and two members of the Pembroke Rotary Club assisted their sister rotary members in Birigui, Brazil, in building a soup kitchen.

During their trip, which lasted from May 15 to May 25, the Bermudian group had both the opportunity to offer their services and learn about Brazilian culture.

The soup kitchen, organised by a Brazilian religious group, served food to between 60 and 120 people daily.

The kitchen is open only to children on Saturdays, where they are taught basic values and hygiene before being fed.

According to Sandys Rotary International Service director Ralph Richardson, the Bermudian volunteers originally planned to assist in building the walls of the kitchen.

However, they finished so quickly that they were also able to pour the concrete for the floor and fit the windows.

"They couldn't believe that it took us such a short time to close in the walls,'' said Mr. Richardson.

He explained that the project was assisted by the goodwill of several local groups.

In addition to donating labour, the Bermuda Rotarians contributed $5,000 to assist with the kitchen's building costs.

The members also transported a van load of sweaters donated by the English Sports Shop and distributed them to needy children.

The trip itself was made largely possible by an American Airlines ticket donation of more than $7,000.

Mr. Richardson explained that there was a dual purpose for the Rotary's visit.

"We went to assist with the project, but we also encouraged the cultural exchange,'' said Mr. Richardson.

"The Brazilians were extremely friendly, and we were treated like royalty during our visit.'' In addition to being greeted by a fireworks display and a banner in honour of their visit, the Bermuda Rotary members were also given an official key to the city.

Although the club has no immediate plans to return to Birigui, the Brazilian Rotary will be visiting Bermuda in 1999.

"We got the chance to visit and live with the members of the club,'' said Mr.

Richardson, "and we've formed a permanent relationship with the club there.'' WORKING AGAINST HUNGER -- Sandys Rotary Club member Alan Lister sits at a table in a soup kitchen with a group of needy children during a recent trip to Brazil.