Paul Harris Society

I would like to acknowledge the thoughtfulness and kindness of DG Alan Anderson. Of the three parking spots allotted to our District, we were the benefactors of one of those parking spots within the MCG. I would also like to thank DG Alan for his courteous attention to Joan, whom he visited on at least three occasions to make sure that she was quite comfortable, relaxed and enjoying the proceedings.

It is very difficult to define or capture in words the atmosphere and ambience of such a meeting with Rotarians and friends meeting together all having a common commitment to and interest in Rotary through TRF. Both Tony and Pam commented on this when we met up with them after the event was completed. DG Alan was insistent on taking us all to meet RI President Ray, and having our photos taken with him, for which we were very grateful.

Tony and Pam Bramley were presented each with their Paul Harris Society certificates by the RI President and thus both became charter members in our District of the Society. ( Since 1998 a group of overseas Rotarians pledged to contribute annually to TRF and the Trustees of TRF officially approved the Paul Harris Society as a District administered program effective as of 1st July 2006). Another young Rotarian was made a Major Donor single diamond (-a donation of $US 10,000 cumulative). A Rotarian from another District was welcomed into the Arch C. Klumph Society-(Donors whose cumulative gifts total $US 250,000 qualify for the Arch C Klumph Society. Qualifiers are invited to an induction ceremony at RI headquarters in Evanston, and their pictures and biographies are installed in the Arch C Klumph Society interactive gallery). Another Rotarian was recognised for 50 years of Service from our District and the highest award for a Rotarian-the Service Above Self Award was presented. Certainly a time of Rotarian Celebration.

RI President Ray is a most humble person, quietly spoken, does not require notes, is economic with words and speaks with excellence and authority. Nothing is a problem for him and apparently responds to all requests by the District Governors. He made great emphasis on the Family of Rotary which is helping Rotary to be so great as we do our best to help others. His first contact with Rotary was when he was chosen as an ambassadorial scholar in 1959 and studied in South Africa. He was very impressed that there was no racial intolerance within Rotary, with Africans being admitted as members. He was taken by the tolerance shown, the Spirit of Rotary Diversity and the Four Way Test. Eighty percent of his success as being chosen as Rotary International President was by "just showing up."

President Ray challenged us by the Biblical quote "Am I my brothers keeper?"

It was purely by the luck of the draw where we are born and whom our parents are. One Third (1/3) of the world's population live a subsistence level and 1 billion below this line. Whilst in a small African town where people walked or road bicycles-across the valley he could see the airport from which he would be departing in a large jet plane. He said an Hungry man was an Angry man and would steal and commit other crimes to survive. Rotary's great asset is to share to make a better world. TRF aims through Rotarians to achieve, Enough Food, Accommodation, Health care, and Literacy for the people of the world. We are making a difference and no one can do it better than any one else in the world. However TRF must make the decision for the most effective use of the monies donated to advance, Good Will, Peace and Understanding through TRF. Programs such as Group Study Exchange and Ambassadorial Scholarships are being examined closely so that the funds of TRF are maximised.