FIGHTING DISEASE
More than 100 million people are pushed into poverty each year because of medical costs. Rotary aims to improve and expand access to low-cost and free health care in underdeveloped areas. Rotarians educate and mobilize communities to help prevent the spread of major diseases such as polio, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. Many of Rotary’s projects ensure that medical training facilities are located where the workforce lives.
Click to read more.
The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is no barrier to the poliovirus. Close cultural and linguistic ties connect the two countries. Populations move fluidly across these borders. Each year, the virus moves with them.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have seen significant progress in the last 18 months in their efforts to stop polio. But both countries have been close before, and have been thwarted:
Click this link for the rest of the story.
Until poliovirus transmission is interrupted in the endemic countries, all countries remain at risk of importation of polio, especially vulnerable countries with weak public health and immunization services and travel or trade links to endemic countries. We truly are so close to the end of polio. Polio however is still just a plane ride away from all of us. We cannot let up this fight. Our Foundation giving is doing extremely well but unfortunately our polio donations are down. Please do not forget to support Rotary’s main cause: the eradication of polio from our planet.
December was another busy month. There were many youth activities this month. The all day District 5040 Interact Leadership Conference was held in Burnaby. Excellent presentations were made by the Interact clubs of Steveston-London, , Hugh Boyd, Rockridge, Elphinstone, Chatlech, New Westminster, King George, Delta, Vancouver Centennial, and Moscrop. The students learned about different programs and aspects of Rotary. Congratulations to Jim Ling and Janice Froese for a great conference. Thanks to the Rotaractors for helping out too.
A great generational fundraiser was held by the Interact, Rotaract and Rotary clubs of Richmond. At this event President Elect Debbie Vance was awarded her first Paul Harris. This award has a story to it that highlights the power of Social Media. PDG Bob Griggers who lives in Marshallville, Georgia has never met Debbie except as Facebook friends. Bob has followed Debbie’s Rotary posts and observed additional participation and commitment. So Bob contacted me as DG to see if I would present Debbie with the Paul Harris that he bought for her. This was all a huge surprise to Debbie. PDG Bob hopes that this gesture will encourage Debbie to continue to new heights in her Rotary service. You too can honour a fellow Rotarian by applying for a Paul Harris in their name.
December also saw the Youth Exchange interviews throughout the district, planning meetings for the Young Professional Summit that will happen in May as well as District conference meetings for the “Big Show” in Whistler. There were Christmas parties galore. One of my favourite functions was the 29th Annual Senior’s luncheon put on by the West Van Sunrise Rotary club. Santa Claus (John Charbonneau from the Rotary club of Tsawwassen) spoke to each senior and brought a huge smile to every face. The Whistler Santa ( Brian Brown from the Rotary club of Whistler Millennium) was disgruntled that he lost his real beard due to chemotherapy and had to wear a fake one but he was delighted to be able to perform his annual Santa duties with a clean bill of health. Rotarians appear to make the best Santas!
I cannot express the depth of my appreciation to Chris Offer who has organized the Million $ Dinner on January 9th at the Tsawwassen Springs. There are still a few tickets left if you are interested in hearing RI President John Germ speak at the banquet. I would like to acknowledge and thank all of the very generous Rotarians who have stepped forward to give to our Foundation in this centennial year. Our district has been outstanding in the number of bequests and donations to make the Million $ Dinner a huge success. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This money will enable our district and our Foundation to continue to do the incredible good that Rotarians do in the world.
We would like to officially welcome Bala Naidoo to the Governor team. Bala brings experience, creativity and enthusiasm to our district and we are delighted at his official RI appointment as DGD ( District Governor Designate) of District 5040.
December saw the last three of the official club visits, each with a Christmas theme. We visited with the Squamish, the Vancouver Cambie and the Bowen Island Rotary clubs. Each visit was so unique and wonderful, filled with fun and fellowship. I will try to get around to as all many clubs again as possible but that will be to
attend various fundraising functions and present awards. The club visits are in my mind the best part of “the DG job”. Alex and I have had such fun and we have been deeply moved at the generosity of all Rotarians. This generosity in not only monetary but more importantly of spirit, hospitality and knowledge. As I have said before I feel blessed as a Rotarian and a person to be counted as one of you.
As we close the year of 2016 please note the accolades that our Foundation is getting.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals has recognized The Rotary Foundation with its annual Award for Outstanding Foundation. “While almost everyone is familiar with Rotary, not everyone may realize just how much of an impact Rotary and The Rotary Foundation have had on countless people and communities across the globe,” says Jason Lee, AFP president and CEO. “On behalf of the entire charitable sector and people around the world, all of us at AFP are honored to be able to recognize The Rotary Foundation as our 2016 Outstanding Foundation.”
AFP’s committee of judges cited Rotary’s comprehensive campaign to eradicate polio as a major driver of the selection. They also mentioned that Rotary applies a methodical, purposeful approach to support a wide variety of causes, from providing clean water to educating the next generation of peace professionals.
Click to read the article.
Charities on this list must be large, global, with budgets exceeding $100 million and net assets of at least $65 million. These charities are all doing exceptional work both at home and abroad all while maintaining top-notch financial management and transparency standards. This year The Rotary Foundation is
ranked #3, rising from
#5 in 2015 and is recognized for projects in the areas of focus and commitment to polio eradication.
Happy New Year to you all. Alex and I and our family wish you and your family much joy and fulfillment in 2017. May we in Rotary nurture gifts of wisdom, compassion and justice in 2017.
With warm regards and blessings.
DG Lyn and Alex
