November is Foundation Month. The Rotary Foundation is Rotary’s charity of choice. Thank you to all those club members and clubs that have contributed to the Rotary Foundation. I know many Clubs are making plans for their donations, please send them through as soon as possible so they can be processed.
The Rotary Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation, supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world. It is registered in the USA as an International Charitable Trust. The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. Its motto is simply “Doing Good in the World”.
50 % of donations from District 9930 are returned after 3 years for distribution among our Clubs, supporting global grants and other District major projects. Some of the funding is also forwarded to the End Polio Now campaign. At the recent District Foundation meeting grants of nearly $34000 were approved. Clubs will be advised of their portion of the total in due course.
My Club visits have been affected a little bit by
the Covid restrictions and many District meetings now being held by Zoom. However, I’ve been impressed by the member enthusiasm at the meetings I’ve attended; the kind hospitality; and the emphasis on projects in the community. My own Club of Taradale recently held a fundraiser for ShelterBox NZ. This partner organisation is now back on the international stage with a recent Volunteer Response Team supporting the rebuild following the earthquake in Haiti. Other Clubs are involved in book sales and particularly involved in the millennium project of planting trees and shrubs as part of the millennium project and Rotary’s 7th Area of Focus – protecting the environment. I need to mention the sterling work of Cambridge Club and their E-Waste collection project. A fantastic community effort, which I’m sure we’ll hear more about.
the Covid restrictions and many District meetings now being held by Zoom. However, I’ve been impressed by the member enthusiasm at the meetings I’ve attended; the kind hospitality; and the emphasis on projects in the community. My own Club of Taradale recently held a fundraiser for ShelterBox NZ. This partner organisation is now back on the international stage with a recent Volunteer Response Team supporting the rebuild following the earthquake in Haiti. Other Clubs are involved in book sales and particularly involved in the millennium project of planting trees and shrubs as part of the millennium project and Rotary’s 7th Area of Focus – protecting the environment. I need to mention the sterling work of Cambridge Club and their E-Waste collection project. A fantastic community effort, which I’m sure we’ll hear more about.
There are many Rotarians that are helping out on District Committees and all are deserving of accolades. This month I want to pay special tribute to Colin Olesen, Past District Governor from Maketu who is 9930 representative on the combined Rotary NZ Committee -Rotary Oceania Zone Operations (RozOps)– coordinating Rotary activities within NZ for membership, communications and IT. The District is grateful for Colins’ behind the scenes work to manage the funds held by RozOps.It has been great to see many Clubs taking up the Health & Well-Being Challenge. Not only taking part in coordinated Club physical activities but also introducing speakers to their Clubs on the health and well-being theme. Support for those members who can’t attend a face to face Rotary meetings is paramount. I urge you all to touch base with not only Rotarians but also friends and family who are doing it tough in these lockdown days.
Be supportive, kind and patient. Remember Shekhar’s themes – Each One, Bring One; and also his major theme of Service to Change Lives.
Ross Pinkham
District Governor 2021/22
District 9930 New Zealand
Mob 027 2428089
