Foundation Thoughts, Part Two

This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

December 9, 2013

…………………………….highlights the unique relationship between two Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program (RPCS) Alumni.

Raveendra Pathiranage, senior state counsel in the attorney general's office in Sri Lanka, and Thevananth Thevanayagam, program manager for the Refugees Rehabilitation Organization in Sri Lanka providing food, shelter, rehabilitation, and other assistance to Tamil refugees, found themselves unlikely classmates in the inaugural session of the RPCS Program.  After arguing incessantly, the two formed a strong bond, united in a desire to bring peace to their homeland.  "We erased the hard feelings and went on to ‘What can we do to solve the problem? What can we contribute?'" said Pathiranage. The two remain close friends even a year after completing the three-month program, which Pathiranage describes as more useful than a year's worth of graduate study. Every minute of every day somewhere in the world our Rotary Foundation is making a difference in someone’s life.


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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

December 16, 2013

…………………………….is about Micro Credit.

In Cuzco, Peru Rotarians contributed $10,000 to a partnering association, Asociacion MIDE, which provided small loans to 288 low-income women.  In six months these women improved their businesses and living standards, lifting them out of extreme poverty.  While local Rotarians had the opportunity to work together to develop the project and approve the system of loans, the participants learned to use, administer and benefit from financial credit.   In the process, the women improved their self-esteem as they acquired entirely new roles of financial responsibility for their families.  How do I focus my giving?  Every Rotarian, Every Year – Giving is hope in action.

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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

December 23, 2013

…………………………….is about a Rotarian going the distance for the Foundation.

  Running, biking and swimming 482 miles in the course of a year or even a month is hardly the marvel of sports headlines.  But racking up that distance in three days staggers the imagination.  Jeff Glidden did just that through his Ultra Distance Triathlon Challenge, raising $100,000 and counting, as of June 2007 for the Annual Programs Fund.  “It was difficult” said Glidden, “but it was more rewarding than anything I have ever done.  Many Rotarians that had never given before contributed and supported me, that was definitely one of my goals” Corporate sponsors helped fuel Glidden’s mega-triathlon challenge by each contributing at least $1000.  Local media coverage also raised overall awareness of Rotary.  All the proceeds from Glidden’s challenge went to support The Rotary Foundation.



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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

January 6, 2014

………………….is about becoming a Bequest Society Member …….

 …….. and leaving your legacy through The Rotary Foundation.    This is best expressed through a quote from the founder of The Rotary Foundation and Past RI President, Arch C. Klumph  “…There are tens of thousands of Rotarians who will look upon this opportunity (building the Rotary Foundation as a real privilege)…Then there are other men who are seeking ways and means of leaving some part of their wealth where it may do the greatest good for humanity.  What better equipped organization or institution than Rotary International can be found to be entrusted with such funds?”  Join with fellow Rotarians past and present who have left their legacy by remembering the foundation in their estate plans.

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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

January 13, 2014

………………….highlights the cooperation between two Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies alumni.

 

Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program alumnus, Francis Kabosha is busy repatriating refugees in Zambia back to their homeland in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  Through the repatriation process, Francis also educates the leaders of the repatriated groups in the ways of peace to help them build and maintain peace in their home areas.  He recently called his fellow RPCS alumnus, Abdulai Jalloh, logistics officer for the United Nations in DRC, to say, “I’m giving them the tools to build peace, you must ensure they reach their destinations safely.”  Francis and Abdulai now work together to build peace in the region.  Keep in mind, every dollar that you contribute to The Rotary Foundation goes to actual program spending.

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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

January 20, 2014

………………….is about a matching grant that has helped turn waste into profit for Philippine coconut farmers.

With the aid of a Foundation matching grant, the Livelihood Project gives local farmers the supplies and labor to turn wasted coconut husks into “coconets”, which have environmental and economic benefits for the community. The project increased employment levels for women and out of school youth while reviving the local coconut industry.  Coconut husks, which are a huge source of agricultural waste, are now used to make coconets which help provide an environmentally friendly solution to land erosion and degradation.  Another husk byproduct, coconut dust is used as a soil enhancer and organic fertilizer.  This is an example of how The Rotary Foundation is helping smaller communities throughout the world and is ensuring that economic growth reaches the poorer communities.



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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

January 27, 2014

………………….is about the PolioPlus Program.

Rotary launched its PolioPlus program in 1985 and contributions to the PolioPlus Fund continue to support the most essential components of polio eradication activities in our partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and UNICEF. With Rotary’s community-based network worldwide, Rotary is the volunteer arm of the global partnership dedicated to eradicating polio.  By volunteering and supporting the PolioPlus program, Rotarians do the work of the world with every Polio vaccine administered!

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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

February 3, 2014

……………………….. is about Health, Hunger and Humanity Grants (3H).

In Romania orphaned and ill children are consuming donated eggs, milk, meat and poultry because of a grant from The Rotary Foundation that benefits local farmers.  Farmers use the grant to buy everything from animal feed to packaging materials.  There is one stipulation; the farmers have to donate a portion of their products to children’s hospital, schools and orphanages.  3H grants fund large long-term international, grassroots projects.  By contributing to The Rotary Foundation you are taking part in these grants.  The Rotary Foundation is our Foundation; it is critical that we take ownership of it and do what we can to change and save lives.



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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

February 10, 2014

………………………….. is about District Simplified Grants (DSG).

In Australia, Rotarians received District Simplified Grants both small and large to benefit local communities and communities abroad.  One club used DSG funds to provide jackets displaying the Rotary Wheel to a team of Blind Bowlers which they wore proudly to the national Championships.  Other DSGs were used to establish a library for foster children, repair a broken fence around a Scout Hall and provide 30 sets of Junior Encyclopedias to schools in Thailand.  Through the creativity and passion of numerous Rotarians, one district improved the lives of countless people both within Australia and abroad.  Every Rotarian, Every Year – Hope begins with us.

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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

February 17, 2014

………………………….. is about How To Support the Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program.

Ever wonder how your Rotary club and district can make a positive impact for peace, right now?    This week’s Rotary Foundation Thought is about how your club and district can support the Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program – a professional development program that is strengthening the leaders of today for peace.  Beyond supporting the program financially, clubs and districts can actively recruit qualified applicants for each bi-annual program session.  Each district can submit as many candidates for each program session as they deem qualified. As one alumnus recently put it, “The program has been nothing short of fantastic.  I couldn’t ask for more.” Give Peace a fighting chance by opening the door for candidates in your District.



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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

February 24, 2014

………………………….. is an inspiring quote from Paul Harris that can be assimilated to the challenge to eradicate Polio worldwide:

“I like to think that the pioneering days of Rotary have just begun. What’s 40 years in the life of a great Movement? There are just as many new things to be done as ever there were. Rotary must simply continue to pioneer or be left in the rear of progress.”  Over 60 years later, Paul Harris’ words are just as meaningful.  There are still so many new things to achieve and promises to keep.  If every district allocates 10% of its available District Designated Funds (DDF) this year to the PolioPlus Partners Program, we can reach the $5 million goal needed to fund National Immunization Days in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria and fulfill our commitment.  Remember what Paul Harris said -we must all strive to be PIONEERS on the long road to PEACE.

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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

March 3, 2014

………………………… is about making a Major Gift to the Annual Programs Fund of the Rotary Foundation.

Tom and Fran Bayless of Ohio are passionate about Rotary and support the Foundation in many ways. Tom made his wife, Fran, a Paul Harris Fellow to celebrate the birth of their first child. Their children became Paul Harris Fellows on special birthdays.  Following open heart surgery, Tom and Fran decided to became major donors to the Foundation in celebration of her recovery.  Said Fran, Anything we can do, we should do. . .  Where does your backyard end?”   Our investment in time, talent and financial resources are an investment in making the world a safer and healthier place for our children and grandchildren.

 

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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

March 10, 2014

………………………… is about Volunteer Service Grants.

Rotarian Dr. Charles Erickson traveled from Nebraska, USA to Zambia in order to provide medical care at an orphanage.  Sponsored by Rotary clubs in both countries, Dr. Erickson performed hemoglobin determinations on 30 orphans.  Nutritional counseling was provided to patients at the local clinic and at general health education sessions.  During his month-long stay, Erickson initiated a malaria control program, battling the number one health problem in the area.  Through mutual collaboration, the host and international sponsoring clubs have formed a solid partnership and hope to implement many more projects together in the future.  How do I determine how much to give now? – Every Rotarian, Every Year!

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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

March 17, 2014

………………………… is about Arch C. Klumph, Well-rounded Citizen.

This week’s Rotary Foundation Thought is about Living a Full and Well-rounded Life, as illustrated by the founder of our Foundation, Arch C. Klumph.  From our archives: Arch had a great love of music.  At age 18 he began to study the flute, and three years later he received a chair in the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra.  He played with the orchestra for 14 years and was a lifelong sponsor of it.  "My heart is in music and my head is in business," he said.  Arch balanced his love of music and theater with his professional business and dreamed huge dreams beyond Cleveland to the theater of the world, with spectacular success.  One of those dreams was The Rotary Foundation.  Your contribution to The Rotary Foundation keeps Arch Klumph’s dream alive and fulfills the dreams of many people around the world who need our help.


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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

March 24, 2014

………………………… is about PolioPlus Partners.

In 1995, a second sub-program of PolioPlus, the PolioPlus Partners program, was developed to allow Rotarians the opportunity to directly contribute to polio eradication projects submitted by fellow Rotarians in polio-endemic, importation, and high-risk countries. The Partners program allows Rotarians to choose a project or country that interests them the most by selecting from the PolioPlus Partners Open Projects List available on the polio section of the RI Web site. Over $48 million has been contributed to over 600 projects since then.  There is still a significant, urgent and ongoing need today.   Please consider giving our fellow Rotarians your support. 



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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

March 31, 2014

………………………………is about opening doors for those in need.

A Rotary Foundation matching grant for US$38,900 helped the Rotary Clubs of Istanbul-Findikli, Turkey and East Salem, Oregon, USA purchase six sound-proof booths and equipment to record books from Istanbul’s Beyazit Library.  Books on CD and MP3 give blind patrons of the library greater access to knowledge and learning and help to improve the literacy rate in Turkey.  Through contributions to The Rotary Foundation Rotarians become partners in opening doors for those in need.

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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

April  7, 2014

………………………is about Ambassadorial Scholar Alumni.

  Four alumni who traveled from the USA to study in Buenos Aires, Argentina have formed Project Patagonia, which provides educational support for school children.  The alumni are constructing a multi-media library to meet both short and long-term educational needs at two schools for low-income students in rural Argentina.  They are also providing school supplies and nutritional support.  Ambassadorial Scholars represent the very best in intellect and character and they are future Rotarians.  Every Rotarian, Every Year – imagine all we can accomplish today and tomorrow. Consider inviting local Rotary Foundation alumni to become members of your Rotary club.



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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

April  14, 2014
………………………is about Changing and Saving Lives.

Have you ever considered that your contribution to The Rotary Foundation may mean the difference between life and death?  Rotary Foundation Matching Grant projects have helped provide the Malawi Children’s Village (MCV) with everything from clean water, food and medications to blankets, sewing machines and a windmill.  The Rotary Club of Canandaigua, New York, USA and Chakunga Sibale, director of the MCV, founded the program in 1997 and it is supported locally by the Rotary Club of Limbe.  “The MCV has had a very great effect to relieve the suffering of children in my country,” says Sibale.  Rotarian’s contributions to this project have literally meant the difference between life and death for many of the children in the MCV program.

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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

April  21, 2014

………………………is about Cheering for The Foundation.

“I became a true Rotarian.  It was that GSE experience.  It was a defining moment. I came back and realized that the Foundation was my charity of choice and that I had to convince others that it should be theirs also.”  The visit to a makeshift school during a Group Study Exchange in South Africa helped to change Rotarian John Tomalson from Canada.  He learned that real teaching is about the love of teaching; he also learned what it meant to be a Rotarian.

 

 

As the team leader of his GSE team he was already a dedicated Rotarian but what he saw in South Africa made him not just a Rotarian but a cheerleader for the Rotary Foundation.  He saw firsthand the importance of the Rotary Foundation’s programs and the impact they have on the world.  Through John’s efforts and the Rotary Club of Bolton, ONT, Canada that makeshift school he visited has now benefited from two matching grants.  Meanwhile John is busy telling everyone about The Rotary Foundation and why Every Rotarian, Every Year is his charity of Choice.

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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

April  28, 2014

………………………is about Matching Grants.

Rotary clubs in Honduras and Pennsylvania, USA partnered together to receive a Matching Grant to provide eye and vision care to needy people in Honduras.  During a 10-day long mission, Rotarians from both clubs worked to provide a wide variety of vision services through clinics held at local schools and neighborhoods.  Over 1,200 individuals were evaluated and 600 received prescription eyeglasses.  A local non-governmental organization will continue to provide eyeglasses and medications to those in need.  Improved eyesight can translate into improved educational or occupational opportunities, contributing greatly to improved quality of life.  To be a Rotarian means to give of our time, talent and financial resources.  Will you make that sacrifice so others may have a better life?

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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

May  5, 2014

………………………is about Matching Grants.

 
………and how one project brought clean water and hope for a better future.    Matching Grants assist Rotary clubs and districts in carrying out humanitarian projects with clubs in other countries.  A recent Foundation Matching Grant allowed Rotarians in India to provide 36 hand-pump wells to rural villages in Andhra Pradesh state where there is a severe shortage of water. Access to clean water will improve the quality of life for those living in these villages by helping to prevent disease and alleviate poverty.  Every Rotarian, every project, and every contribution makes a difference every year.

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This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”

May  12, 2014

………………………is about the Permanent Fund.

When reflecting on our personal estates and the legacy we want to leave, have we thought about how much we can afford to give away?  Trustee Louis Piconi shares these inspiring remarks: “Rotarians of today are leaving a legacy to the children of the world when we, Rotary, join our world partners in the celebration of the certification of the eradication of polio from the world.  More importantly, and I do mean more importantly, is the fact that the Rotarians of today and tomorrow have the opportunity to leave their own legacy of ‘doing good in the world’ for future educational and humanitarian service programs.  Do we dare dream that Rotarians of today not only make it a habit of making an annual contribution each and every year, but leave a percentage of their estate or a one-time significant gift to The Rotary Foundation’s Permanent Fund?  This should be the dream, goal and reality of all Rotarians.  We need just look and see and feel and touch the wonderful programs and projects we are continually completing that help the world know a more humane society and a more peaceful world.”

 

 Continued in Foundation Thoughts, Part Three