This month is The Rotary Foundation Month and next year marks 100 years of The Rotary Foundation doing good in the world through Rotarians like you.  We can see the work that we are currently able to achieve projects like RUCHI and a potable water project in the Philippines through Rotary Foundation Global Grants and numerous smaller projects through District Grants.  
 
A few years ago I had the privilege of visiting RUCHI in the hill country of northern India.  This was my first experience of a multi-faceted project involving The Rotary Foundation and Rotarians from our District.  I saw toilets and shower facilities being built, tanks for rainwater harvesting, dams and reservoirs to hold water for the dry season.  I heard of increased returns from agriculture, improved health outcomes, income-generating projects, community empowerment and much more.    
Rotarians from our District 9940 have been working alongside RUCHI for more than ten years.  This project is delivering water, sanitation, health and community mobilisation to address the poverty and health needs of thousands of people.  Rotarians from New Zealand and India have provided hands-on assistance and funds have come from The Rotary Foundation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s aid programme, and from clubs and individuals.  And this is just one example of what we can achieve through The Foundation.
This month is The Rotary Foundation Month and next year marks 100 years of The Rotary Foundation doing good in the world through Rotarians like you.  We can see the work that we are currently able to achieve projects like RUCHI and a potable water project in the Philippines through Rotary Foundation Global Grants and numerous smaller projects through District Grants. 
The Rotary Foundation is a key partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.  More than one million Rotary members have volunteered their time and personal resources to polio eradication. Many Rotarians in our District have also provided valuable field support during National Immunization Days through social mobilization and by administering the oral polio vaccine to children.  I am very pleased to see so many of our Clubs raising funds to support this cause.
We have made a significant difference already in areas such as water and sanitation, health, education, and economic and community development.  The Foundation helps motivate and focus us on areas where we can make a huge difference as Rotarians both here in New Zealand and overseas.  By giving to The Foundation, we are helping Rotarians like us improve the lives of others.
Many of our Clubs and Rotarians are very generous donors to the Foundation.  I encourage all Rotarians to become members of the Centurion Club by donating NZ$100 per year to The Foundation and, for those who can afford it, you may become a member of the Paul Harris Society for US$1,000 per year.  Others may wish to make a bequest.  Congratulations for your generosity and continuing support of The Rotary Foundation.