In just a few days the spirit of Christmas will manifest itself in gifts beneath a tree, left, as myths tell us, by Santa Clause, the personification of Christmas. Given his international mystique and respect some of us have wondered, “Is Santa A Rotarian?”

As we ponder this, let’s consider what our club members do and compare them to Mr. Claus.

 

Burlington Rotarians spend countless hours filling backpacks with food for students and their families; we improve sanitation, provide access to clean water, and help start businesses in countries that we may never visit and for people we may never meet; our generosity provides tuition for countless children we will never know, but whom, thanks to us, know that Rotarians care for them; we remodel buildings and build parks for the enjoyment of everyone in the community; we provide and read books to students; we give scholarships so that high school students can pursue their dreams; we help restore river and streams; we leverage the power of collaboration to work with Rotarians in other cities and countries to improve lives that are too many to count. Each year we donate personally and collect thousands more dollars, not for our own enjoyment, but to ensure that organizations who work to make our community and world a better place have the resources they need. This is small measure of the work that we do. It is done with the tireless dedication of club members who serve on committees, attend meetings, coordinate events, and who have sustained our Club for nearly 50 years.

 

As for Santa Clause, the real evidence is, does he act like a Rotarian? Does he put “Service Above Self?” Let’s see.  Santa, like Rotarians, is dedicated to improving the lives of others. He works tirelessly each year in the hopes of making one day special. He volunteers as a mentor, spending countless hours reading letters and listening to children’s secret wishes. And, of course, on Christmas eve, he travels the globe, regardless of the weather, delivering gifts and providing children the gift of knowing they are not forgotten.

 

Yes, undoubtedly Santa Claus is a Rotarian. His generosity and devotion lives in every Club member. How dreary the world would be if there were no Santa Claus, or no Rotarians! This year, when you look into the mirror on Christmas morning, take a moment to remember the hundreds of lives you help change because you, like Santa, are a Rotarian.