Dear members of the Rotary family,
The past weeks have deeply moved us in Switzerland and
Liechtenstein. The fire disaster in Crans-Montana has affected many people and
once again reminded us how vulnerable we are – but also how strong our Rotary
community can be. I would like to sincerely thank all clubs and individuals who
spontaneously offered accommodation for relatives near the hospitals. I am
equally grateful for the many donations that have already been received. This
support is essential – and it will continue to be needed, as many of the
injured will require medical care for weeks, in some cases for months.
A specially appointed committee – consisting of the
three serving Governors, the President of the Rotary Foundation Switzerland (RSS), and the
President of RC Crans-Montana – has already been able to grant initial targeted
support. One example is the coverage of childcare costs for a father whose
ex-wife and the mother of his child was seriously injured in the fire. Such
concrete help shows what Rotary is all about at its core. It is impressive and
deeply moving to see how the Rotary family comes together to support those
affected and their loved ones.
March is Rotary’s worldwide month for Water,
Sanitation and Hygiene – WASH –
one of our seven areas of focus. Alongside oxygen, water is one of the most
essential resources for life. One could say: water is like a currency – vital,
yet not equally available everywhere. Unfortunately, access to clean water is
still not a given.
In this context, I would like to once again highlight
the founding of the first theme club, RC H2O.
Theme clubs offer a new, flexible form of Rotary membership with a clear
subject focus. This allows us to bring deeper expertise on specific topics more
directly into the Rotary community. It is an explicit goal of us Governors to
promote further such theme clubs – particularly along the seven Rotary areas of
focus.
In Switzerland and Liechtenstein, there are already
numerous outstanding WASH projects that often receive too little visibility.
Two of them are particularly close to my heart: Water Survival Box
and ShelterBox.
Both provide invaluable support in disaster and crisis situations by enabling
rapid access to clean water, shelter and hygiene. At events such as “Run for
Water”, several clubs also work together to actively – or rather “feet-on” –
support these projects.
I would also like to mention the association Mare Nostrum,
which works in an innovative way on water and environmental issues in the
Mediterranean region and impressively demonstrates how Rotary operates across
borders.
At the same time, I am proud of the many initiatives
within our clubs. A wonderful example is the “Helping
Stones” project of RC Luzern-Seetal, which
supports water storage and irrigation systems in Zimbabwe and thereby
sustainably improves the livelihoods of families. Such projects show how much
we can achieve together – locally and internationally.
The Water Month in March should not only encourage
reflection, but also inspire action. Every club, every Rotarian and every
Rotaractor can contribute – whether through projects, partnerships, donations
or simply by raising awareness.
Thank you all for your tireless commitment, your
solidarity and your friendship. Together, we can continue to make a real
difference – for people in need and for our planet.
With warm Rotary greetings,
Unite for Good – Team Up!
John
