Dear
Members of the Rotary family in District 1980,
At the end of October, I proudly reflect on my 43
visits to Rotary clubs and 2 visits to Rotaract clubs across our district. As
I’ve often mentioned during these visits, one way to describe this experience
is as “speed-dating” with about 4,600 inspiring club leaders and members —
gaining insight into the remarkable work you do and the outstanding projects
you lead to serve our communities locally, regionally, and globally.
I have been deeply impressed by the big hearts,
generosity, and strong sense of purpose I’ve encountered everywhere. Thank you
— and keep going!
As we step into November, we take time to reflect on
the immense impact of The Rotary Foundation, to recognize its achievements, and
to renew our commitment to “Doing Good in the World.” Since its creation in
1917, The
Rotary Foundation (TRF) has enabled Rotarians to transform communities and
improve lives — locally, regionally, and globally. Every contribution — large
or small — helps fund vital service projects within one or more of Rotary’s
Seven Areas of Focus:
· Peacebuilding
and Conflict Prevention
· Disease
Prevention and Treatment
· Water,
Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
· Maternal
and Child Health
· Basic
Education and Literacy
· Community
Economic Development
· Protecting
the Environment
· End
Polio Now – Our Ongoing Promise
One of Rotary’s greatest undertakings remains the
eradication of polio. We are closer than ever, but the fight is not yet over.
New cases in a few regions remind us that our continued support and advocacy
are essential. Every dollar contributed to PolioPlus is tripled by the Gates
Foundation, multiplying our impact and bringing us ever closer to a world free
of polio.
As I’ve mentioned during my club visits, in addition
to the EREY
(Every Rotarian Every Year) contributions usually made by each club on behalf of
its members — with an annual target of USD 100 per member — each member can
make a tax-deductible direct contribution through our local organization, the Rotary Stiftung Schweiz (RSS). Whether
it’s a modest personal donation or a larger contribution to the Annual Fund,
your support sustains Rotary’s life-changing work. You may also choose to
direct your contribution:
· to
The Annual Fund (for worldwide service and district grants),
· to
PolioPlus, or
· to a
specific project or area of focus that you are passionate about.
This
November, let’s honor The Rotary Foundation by sharing its story, supporting
its mission, and strengthening its reach. Together, we are more than members of
an organization — we are partners in global peace, health, and prosperity.
Thank you once again for your dedication, generosity,
and service above self.
With warm
Rotary regards,
Unite for
Good – Team Up!
John
