In an old copy of the Rotarian magazine I read that a Ugandan related how, as a child, he read his father’s copies of the Rotarian from cover to cover, repeatedly, until the pages were worn and tattered. He said that the stories of Rotarians around the world captured his imagination, and that he dreamed of the day when he, too, could become a Rotarian. As members of Rotary it is easy to forget just how fortunate we are to be a member of this great organization

October has been designated as a month where we put more focus on Economic and Community Development. This can take place in our communities or in an area that is located far from our homes.  

Many of our clubs participate in microlending or microsavings projects in remote corners of the world. Sometimes these are simply savings groups where the group manages the savings of the members.  

The members, in turn, earn interest on their savings as those funds are loaned to other members. These efforts allow people to have access to small loans to enable them to begin or expand small business.  

When their business grows, so does their income.  They can then afford to pay the fees to send their children to school and have disposable income to support other businesses in their area.  The local economies of a number of communities have directly benefitted significantly as a result of such groups.

Contact Joanne:  croghanj@aol.com 

photo: Teresa Kingston, president of Pt. Alberni Arrowsmith Club and Area AG Kenn Whiteman present a doo rag to DG Joanne Croghan. Get the daily District 5020 scoop on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rotary.5020/