Charlie’s presentation focused briefly on the history of Foundation within Rotary and he centred on the important aspect of the ability to “ grow funds ‘ within the Foundation management process that can potentially “ enhance and make your project funds grow “.
Rotary Foundation was formulated and instigated in 1917 when the then outgoing president proposed and endowment for the purpose of doing well in the world. From very small beginnings the Foundation Branch of Rotary has through the decades, and is still transforming millions of lives around the world. Currently Rotary Foundation at all levels within our organisation from clubs to districts to International, contributes in the sum of 150 million dollars per year.
Charlie’s presentation included some very powerful and enlightening short video’s highlighting the many and varied projects that Rotary has and are still very active in.
One very interesting and worthwhile aspect that Charlie pointed out was when proposing and subsequently instigating a project at Club level is that when you formally submit the project to your district, is the ability that Rotary at district level can, “make your initial funds grow”
This can be done by the ability of your District Chair to match your monetary submission and from there working in conjunction with other charitable organisation’s and commercial institute's have the potential to double and in some instances treble your initial funds.
The eradication of Polio World wide is currently Rotaries prime Foundation Project. This project saw its start in the mid 80’s and as today has achieved some truly remarkable progress. Rotary envisages thru its own contributions to the eradication of polio it will exceed $1.2 billion by the time the world is certified as polio free. A truly amazing and world changing event in our time.
One very enlightening fact in regards to the funds provided and donated via Rotary is such high profile “ philanthropist's “ and to note Mr Bill Gates who in 2017 announced that thru the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a commitment of $450 million to support the eradication of Polio.
Charlie’s presentation was enlightening and informative, he left us all with a special thought when it comes to the final result of our efforts to enhance the lives of people, which was “ to make a child’s life a bit easier and put a smile on their face “
Guest Speaker - Mr Charlie Spiers, RCM Richard Vautier and Dennis Corke
Special Presentation – Miss Hanna Swinnerton
At our recent Club Meeting our current RYLA nomination Miss Hanna Swinnerton addressed the meeting and presented a topic that she has had some very personal involvement in, that being the malady of Bullying
Hanna’s journey thru this atrocious social syndrome started in her very young years and continued right thru to her mid teens. Hanna was adversely affected by the tribulations she endured for many years, most of which she suffered in silent.
Thru family support, counselling and finally the much-needed support of her teachers Hanna finally confronted the situation. She was afforded the opportunity to address the entire population of her Secondary School. Her speech was both moving and educational to her audience.
From that point on Hanna expressed to us a major change in her life for the better. Her courage and willingness to confront the situation has now seen her grow immensely in self-esteem and involvement in her social environment and especially the wider community.
Hanna’s brief presentation, which was accompanied by a PPT Presentation was a delight to experience. Our Club Member’s are very proud of Hanna’s outlook and zest for life, and are confident she will do well at her RYLA Camp.
RCM Foundation Chair , John Renowden with Miss Hanna Swinnerton
