Dear Members,

 

Last Tuesday night, while many of you were enjoying Ron's Irish Quiz night, I had the pleasure of presenting a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) to our former member, John Poke. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with him and acknowledge his significant contributions to the Rotary Foundation Australia.

 

As you know, contributions to the Rotary Foundation play a crucial role in transforming lives and enhancing communities through various projects. Here is some information on Foundation and the important role it plays within Rotary.

 

The Rotary Foundation (TRF) is dedicated to empowering Rotary members to “do good in the world.” By providing financial resources and facilitating new connections, the Foundation enables clubs and districts to collaborate effectively, performing meaningful and sustainable service projects both in their own communities and across the globe.

 

The Rotary Foundation focuses on several critical causes that reflect our commitment to making a positive impact in the world. These causes include:

 

By donating $1,000 within a year, you will earn a prestigious Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) recognition, celebrating your commitment to the values of Rotary. Additionally, you have the opportunity to become a member of the Paul Harris Society by pledging to donate $1,000 annually.

These contributions play a vital role in supporting the impactful work of the Rotary Foundation, enabling projects that make a difference in communities worldwide. This generosity not only honours this commitment but also enhances the lives of countless individuals.

Rotary grants in Australia are funded through a combination of District Designated Funds (DDF), cash contributions from individuals, clubs, and districts, and matching funds from The Rotary Foundation's World Fund. 

Rotary Australia provides various grants to support humanitarian projects, scholarships, and other initiatives. Here’s a simplified overview of the different types of grants available:

1. District Grants

Purpose - Fund small, short-term projects in local and international communities.

Activities - Includes humanitarian projects, service travel, disaster recovery, scholarships, and vocational   training.

Focus -Each district decides which activities to fund.

2. Global Grants

Purpose - Support large international projects with sustainable outcomes.

Focus Areas - Promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, and more.

Activities - Humanitarian projects, graduate-level scholarships, and vocational training.

   Note - Both the local and international clubs must be qualified to apply.

 

3. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Grants

Purpose - Enable corporations to partner with Rotary for mutual benefits.

Focus - Encourages collaboration on projects aligned with Rotary's goals.

4. Disaster Response Grants

Purpose - Help with relief and recovery efforts after natural disasters.

 

I had the pleasure of attending the President Elect Training and Development Seminar (PELDS) as a guest speaker and in my upcoming role as District Conference Chair. It was a fantastic weekend, and my presentation on the Youth Skills Shed was well-received, generating significant interest in the project and our club's service to the community. I felt a deep sense of pride in our club's contributions and the positive impact we are making on youth.

Additionally, I stood in for Lance Leveson as the Returning Officer for the Croydon Park Probus Club AGM on Thursday. With over 100 members, this Club is incredibly active, and I was truly impressed by the variety of activities offered to their members. It was a wonderful morning and a great opportunity to network.

It’s been a very busy week! Thank you all for your continued support!

Take care,