On Tuesday October 30th we hosted our esteemed District Governor Ingrid Neitsch. During her presentation the inspiring qualities that served her well as an educator and as an influential Rotary member were on full display.
Ingrid began by playing a clip of one of Rotary International President Barry Rassin's speeches. Mr. Rassin was reiterating the importance of Rotary's work in the world and how crucial it was to grow our membership to keep our organization vital and relevant. Ingrid then spoke on how she intends District 5370 will do it's part, with a goal of seeing three more clubs set up and 50 new members dedicated to the worthy causes Rotary takes on.
One of those causes is Rotary International's ongoing mission to eradicate polio. While polio cases have decreased by 99% since 1988 this debilitating disease remains a threat to vulnerable populations until the infection rate drops to zero. With Rotary's support it appears this objective will be met in the foreseeable future.
Upon witnessing the remarkable progress made in it's polio campaign Rotary has been emboldened to take on no less a challenge than World Peace. Actually, Peace and Conflict Resolution have long been a pillar of Rotary International's beliefs. This ambition has led to the establishment of Peace Centres in participating universities around the world. Currently 100 fellowships are awarded annually to amazing individuals eager to develop the skills necessary to help ease the political and ideological tensions that threaten the well-being and prosperity of us all. Ingrid has enlisted district 5370 in supporting this initiative and in turn the Rotary Club on Whyte expressed it's whole-hearted support by presenting her with a cheque to help fund it's programs.
The Rotary Club on Whyte would like to thank District Governor Ingrid Neitsch for coming to speak with us. We look forward to assisting her in her endeavours in what will certainly be a significant period for the clubs she presides over.
