The Rotary Foundation recognises as a Paul Harris Society Member anyone who contributes annually to The Rotary Foundation, a minimum of US$1,000.
These contributions are eligible for tax deductibility.
Special events in recognition of members are held annually and hosted by the District Governor.
Where does the money go?
Villagers fish in a canal outside the Akha hill tribe village of Bala, Thailand, near the "Golden Triangle," where drug trafficking and civil unrest along the Laos-Myanmar border have caused many hill tribes to flee. They speak their own languages, and almost half lack citizenship and are unable to own land, vote, or seek legal employment. The Akha Training Centre teaches Akha children English and Thai, which allows them to be educated at Thai schools, making them less vulnerable in mainstream society. Rotarians from Australia, Canada, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States have volunteered and provided donations, and The Rotary Foundation has supported the project with a Matching Grant.
Photo:Alyce Henson© Rotary International
Upon his retirement as Chairman of the D9800 Paul Harris Society, PDG Gordon McKern, OAM, sent the following letter:
Dear Fellow PHS Members and Major Donors,
It has been a privilege for me to have been Chairman of the D9800 Paul Harris Society, (PHS) and co-ordinator of Major Donors, for the past 6 years. I have many people to thank, none more so than Roger Thornton and Cheryl Pisterman who have been with me every step of the way in developing the Society to the strong position it is in today. When PDG Julie Mason takes over on July 1, she will have the opportunity to not only maintain our current numbers, but also to bring a fresh approach which may well increase our membership.
In his capacity as Chairman of the District Rotary Foundation committee, PDG Dennis Shore has been a tower of strength, I have no doubt that his successor, PDG Murray Verso, will also be for Julie.
Dennis recently provided some interesting figures which clearly show the importance of PHS membership to our District commitment to the Foundation. For the Rotary year 2017-18 total D9800 giving to the Annual Fund was US$421,064, of which no less than one third came from our 135 or so PHS members. That is a wonderful achievement, of which all members are entitled to be very proud. Many thanks.
Another point worth making is that of Major Donors. Recognition levels are defined as follows : Level One — US$10,000 to $US$24,999; Level Two — US$25,000 to US$49,999; Level Three — US$50,000 to US$99,999; Level Four — US$100,000 and above. As at 1 July 2013 our District had 5 active Rotarians and partners @ level 1, and one @ level 2. Today the numbers have grown significantly, in almost all cases due to the annual commitment of PHS members, to now stand at 33 Level One, 11 Level Two, 2 Level Three.
That is a remarkable testimony to the generosity, and commitment, of our PHS members and Major Donors.
Gordon McKern OAM
Photo: Some Major Donors at a District Conference, Rotary Foundation Breakfast.
PDG Gordon McKern (who was recognised with a “Service Above Self” Award) DG Bronwyn Stephens, Cheryl Pisterman, PRID Bryn Styles, David Pisterman, PRIP Ian Riseley, and RIPR Stephanie Ulchick.
(Hawthorn Rotary Paul Harris Society Members of District 9800 are: Gordon Cheyne, Katrina Flinn, Peter Lugg, David Pisterman, Anne Scott, Dennis Shore, and of course the Past District Governor who introduced the first Paul Harris Society in Australia, Bernie Walshe.)