Rotary's Global Impact
Posted by Steven Walden
The most recent information from Rotary International tells us there are over 33,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries. There are over 1.2 million Rotarians throughout the world. Needless to say, there are a lot of us that wear the Rotary lapel pin. This month, we have been discussing at length the great work of The Rotary Foundation.
The Foundation is the separate financial arm of Rotary that supports us in the projects we are involved throughout the world, benefiting even the countries that do not have Rotary clubs.
World leaders, corporate heads, and celebrities alike have praised the work of the Rotary Foundation and Rotarians for the work we have done. Here is what a few had to say:
"Rotary has the ability to organize campaigns to mobilize support for some of the worthiest causes that exist, and that makes Rotary a precious resource."
Kofi Annan, former UN secretary-general
"I admire the Rotary promise to solve problems that destroy lives and trample dreams and human potential."
Queen Noor al-Hussein of Jordan
"Through my contact with Rotary, I learned about the importance of community service. The Rotary motto of Service Above Self has left a deep impression and has guided me since. I would like to express my profound gratitude to The Rotary Foundation for having given me that unique opportunity and a solid foundation that eventually led me to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, a global service organization to protect those fleeing from armed conflict and persecution."
Sadako Ogata, Japanese prime minister's special representative for assistance to Afghanistan
"I would be proud and enthusiastic to be associated with Rotary in any way."
Ted Turner, former head of Turner Broadcasting
"You who believe in and continue to strive to save the world's children from the ravages of polio are most definitely champions."
Gro Harlem Brundtland, World Health Organization director general
"In 1988, the World Health Assembly agreed that it would commit to eradicating polio in time for the world to be certified polio-free by 2005. Since then, Rotary International, the United Nations Children's Fund, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been leading this massive undertaking."
Mia Farrow, UNICEF goodwill ambassador
"Thank you, Rotary, for recognizing that a world without polio is possible. You have been the catalyst for the world to accept and carry out the challenge of eradicating polio from the earth."
Bill Gates, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
"The volunteerism exemplified by Rotary International is an engine for renewal and change in every society. And it is that same volunteer spirit, rooted in compassion and a profound sense of responsibility to our fellow human beings, that offers so much hope for the future, beginning with children."
Carol Bellamy, UNICEF executive director
Think about this: If world and corporate leaders think this highly of Rotary, the thoughts and emotions of those individuals who are benefitted directly from our involvement must be beyond words. Your support of the Rotary Foundation makes an immeasurable impact on our world. Thank you for your continued support of the Rotary Foundation.
Have a fruitful week.
Yours in Rotary,
Steve Walden
World leaders, corporate heads, and celebrities alike have praised the work of the Rotary Foundation and Rotarians for the work we have done. Here is what a few had to say:
"Rotary has the ability to organize campaigns to mobilize support for some of the worthiest causes that exist, and that makes Rotary a precious resource."
Kofi Annan, former UN secretary-general
"I admire the Rotary promise to solve problems that destroy lives and trample dreams and human potential."
Queen Noor al-Hussein of Jordan
"Through my contact with Rotary, I learned about the importance of community service. The Rotary motto of Service Above Self has left a deep impression and has guided me since. I would like to express my profound gratitude to The Rotary Foundation for having given me that unique opportunity and a solid foundation that eventually led me to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, a global service organization to protect those fleeing from armed conflict and persecution."
Sadako Ogata, Japanese prime minister's special representative for assistance to Afghanistan
"I would be proud and enthusiastic to be associated with Rotary in any way."
Ted Turner, former head of Turner Broadcasting
"You who believe in and continue to strive to save the world's children from the ravages of polio are most definitely champions."
Gro Harlem Brundtland, World Health Organization director general
"In 1988, the World Health Assembly agreed that it would commit to eradicating polio in time for the world to be certified polio-free by 2005. Since then, Rotary International, the United Nations Children's Fund, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been leading this massive undertaking."
Mia Farrow, UNICEF goodwill ambassador
"Thank you, Rotary, for recognizing that a world without polio is possible. You have been the catalyst for the world to accept and carry out the challenge of eradicating polio from the earth."
Bill Gates, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
"The volunteerism exemplified by Rotary International is an engine for renewal and change in every society. And it is that same volunteer spirit, rooted in compassion and a profound sense of responsibility to our fellow human beings, that offers so much hope for the future, beginning with children."
Carol Bellamy, UNICEF executive director
Think about this: If world and corporate leaders think this highly of Rotary, the thoughts and emotions of those individuals who are benefitted directly from our involvement must be beyond words. Your support of the Rotary Foundation makes an immeasurable impact on our world. Thank you for your continued support of the Rotary Foundation.
Have a fruitful week.
Yours in Rotary,
Steve Walden