As we approach the holiday season it’s hard for me to believe that we are almost halfway through our year together. Debbie and I have traveled throughout the district, meeting Rotarians who will be lifelong friends. The hospitality extended to us at each club visit has been heartwarming. As December approaches, Debbie and I look forward to our remaining club visits.
At each club visit, we are reminded that Rotarians are amazing, caring, giving individuals who work collaboratively, quietly promoting peace and conflict resolution throughout their communities and around the world all year not just during the holiday season. At club visits we have learned of Rotarians providing meals, shelter and professional services to homeless individuals and those with mental disabilities; providing a quiet peaceful place for individuals in the last days of their lives; providing students with breakfast every day of the school year; ensuring basic life skills education is available to those with disabilities to help them become active citizens in the community; partnering with other organizations to help those affected by drug addiction; delivering hot meals each week to those who are shut in; distributing food, gifts, clothing to those less fortunate; providing a safe environment for children to stay afterschool and giving the gift of reading to children. Mentioned are only a few of the wonderful gifts Rotarians give each and every day.
As we enter the holiday season, let’s together share this wonderful gift of Rotary with someone we know and love. You and they will be forever changed.