Rotary International and Gates Foundation together commit $200 million to eradicate polio
EVANSTON, Ill., U.S.A. (Nov. 26, 2007) -- Rotary International today announced a partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that will inject a much-needed US$200 million into the global campaign to eradicate polio, a crippling and sometimes fatal disease that still paralyzes children in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East and threatens children everywhere.
The Rotary Foundation has received a $100-million Gates Foundation grant, which Rotary will raise funds to match, dollar-for-dollar, over three years. The Evanston-based volunteer service organization will spend the initial $100 million within one year in direct support of immunization activities carried out by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a partnership spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and UNICEF.
"The extraordinary dedication of Rotary members has played a critical role in bringing polio to the brink of eradication," says Bill Gates, cochair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "Eradicating polio will be one of the most significant public health accomplishments in history, and we are committed to helping reach that goal."
The polio eradication grant is one of the largest challenge grants ever given by the Gates Foundation and the largest grant received by Rotary in its 102-year history. Polio eradication has been Rotary’s top priority since 1985. Since then, Rotary has contributed $633 million to the eradication effort.
"Rotary members worldwide have worked very hard over the years to reach this point, and it is rewarding to see our approach validated in such a significant way by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation," says Dr. Robert Scott, who leads Rotary’s polio eradication effort and chairs The Rotary Foundation, the not-for-profit charitable arm of Rotary that will administer the grant. "We hope that this shared commitment of Rotary and the Gates Foundation will challenge other donors – including foundations, governments and nongovernmental organizations – to step up and make sure we have the resources needed to rid the world of polio once and for all."
Adds Rotary International President Wilfrid J. Wilkinson: "This endorsement of Rotary's polio eradication efforts by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is just the catalyst and challenge Rotary members need to keep our promise to the children of the world that polio will be eradicated."
Founded in Chicago in 1905, Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. Rotary’s global membership is approximately 1.2 million men and women who belong to more than 32,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.
For more information about Rotary, and how you can become a part of this prestigious organization, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.
Monday, December 3, 2007
The Magic of Rotary - November 26, 2007
The magic of Rotary
District Governor for Rotary District 7020, Richard McCombe, from Nassau, will be in Anguilla to visit the Rotary Club of Anguilla on December 6, 2007. This club visit will be just one of many he has made during his year as District Governor.
DG Richard writes the following:
The theme for this year, “Rotary Shares”, best describes the special common thread that binds us as Rotarians – the personal commitment to share our time, our talents, our treasure and our empathy, as we provide “Service above self” to the communities of the world. Our compassion and our ability to open our hearts to those in need, combined with our commitment to share our time, talent, and treasures for those who are less fortunate, is also what makes Rotary so magical.
-- Like the magic you see in the eyes of a person receiving their first wheelchair and for the first time they can get around on their own
-- Like the magic of the smile of a child when you give them their first book
-- Like the magic of happy faces when you bring a water well to a community.
This is the Magic that causes ordinary Rotarians such as ourselves to do the extraordinary things we do. Rotary’s magical contribution to the needy in the world begins with every Rotarian’s desire to help others. Without the individual Rotarians in the clubs throughout the world, Rotary would not exist. The needy would suffer even more than they do today.
Be proud of the accomplishments Rotary has achieved in the world. But more than anything, be proud of the part Rotarians have played in making the world a better place.
As Group Study Exchange member, William Simkins, said so well at our District Conference a few months ago, “Everything we do is History in the making. Let History and our Legacy show that as Rotarians we do not give what we can spare or what we have that is extra, but that we give of ourselves in our passion to make the world a better place.”
To continue to do the good in the world, we must continue to grow Rotary. Share Rotary with others and share our accomplishments. Find like-minded individuals from our Family of Rotary and bring them into our organization in whatever way best suits them. Our combined efforts and growth will help us to continue to do the good in the world that we are known for.
Come Share the Magic of Rotary.
For more information about Rotary, check the local website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.
District Governor for Rotary District 7020, Richard McCombe, from Nassau, will be in Anguilla to visit the Rotary Club of Anguilla on December 6, 2007. This club visit will be just one of many he has made during his year as District Governor.
DG Richard writes the following:
The theme for this year, “Rotary Shares”, best describes the special common thread that binds us as Rotarians – the personal commitment to share our time, our talents, our treasure and our empathy, as we provide “Service above self” to the communities of the world. Our compassion and our ability to open our hearts to those in need, combined with our commitment to share our time, talent, and treasures for those who are less fortunate, is also what makes Rotary so magical.
-- Like the magic you see in the eyes of a person receiving their first wheelchair and for the first time they can get around on their own
-- Like the magic of the smile of a child when you give them their first book
-- Like the magic of happy faces when you bring a water well to a community.
This is the Magic that causes ordinary Rotarians such as ourselves to do the extraordinary things we do. Rotary’s magical contribution to the needy in the world begins with every Rotarian’s desire to help others. Without the individual Rotarians in the clubs throughout the world, Rotary would not exist. The needy would suffer even more than they do today.
Be proud of the accomplishments Rotary has achieved in the world. But more than anything, be proud of the part Rotarians have played in making the world a better place.
As Group Study Exchange member, William Simkins, said so well at our District Conference a few months ago, “Everything we do is History in the making. Let History and our Legacy show that as Rotarians we do not give what we can spare or what we have that is extra, but that we give of ourselves in our passion to make the world a better place.”
To continue to do the good in the world, we must continue to grow Rotary. Share Rotary with others and share our accomplishments. Find like-minded individuals from our Family of Rotary and bring them into our organization in whatever way best suits them. Our combined efforts and growth will help us to continue to do the good in the world that we are known for.
Come Share the Magic of Rotary.
For more information about Rotary, check the local website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.
Rotary and the United Nations - November 19, 2007
A little Rotary History
Rotary International is the world's first service club organization. Its more than 1.2 million members volunteer their time and talent to further the Rotary motto, Service Above Self.
Throughout its history, Rotary International has collaborated with the United Nations, governments, and nongovernmental organizations to improve the human condition.
The greatest example of Rotary’s effective collaborations is its flagship program, PolioPlus, which aims to eradicate polio worldwide. Working with spearheading partners UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization, Rotary has contributed over US$600 million and countless volunteer hours to help immunize more than two billion children against the crippling and often fatal disease.
Cooperative efforts are also a key element of Rotary’s local service. Rotary clubs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, for example, have worked with Habitat for Humanity to build houses for deserving families in the community. Similar collaborations have helped Rotary’s 1.2 million club members promote goodwill, service, world understanding, and peace in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.
Rotary and the United Nations have a long history of working together and sharing similar visions for a more peaceful world.
In 1942, Rotary clubs from 21 nations organized a conference in London to develop a vision for advancing education, science, and culture after World War II. That event was a precursor to UNESCO. In 1945, 49 Rotarians went to San Francisco to help draft the UN Charter. Rotary and the UN have been close partners ever since, a relationship that’s apparent through PolioPlus and work with UN agencies.
For more information about Rotary, check the local website
http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.
(Source: Rotary International news)
Rotary International is the world's first service club organization. Its more than 1.2 million members volunteer their time and talent to further the Rotary motto, Service Above Self.
Throughout its history, Rotary International has collaborated with the United Nations, governments, and nongovernmental organizations to improve the human condition.
The greatest example of Rotary’s effective collaborations is its flagship program, PolioPlus, which aims to eradicate polio worldwide. Working with spearheading partners UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization, Rotary has contributed over US$600 million and countless volunteer hours to help immunize more than two billion children against the crippling and often fatal disease.
Cooperative efforts are also a key element of Rotary’s local service. Rotary clubs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, for example, have worked with Habitat for Humanity to build houses for deserving families in the community. Similar collaborations have helped Rotary’s 1.2 million club members promote goodwill, service, world understanding, and peace in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.
Rotary and the United Nations have a long history of working together and sharing similar visions for a more peaceful world.
In 1942, Rotary clubs from 21 nations organized a conference in London to develop a vision for advancing education, science, and culture after World War II. That event was a precursor to UNESCO. In 1945, 49 Rotarians went to San Francisco to help draft the UN Charter. Rotary and the UN have been close partners ever since, a relationship that’s apparent through PolioPlus and work with UN agencies.
For more information about Rotary, check the local website
http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.
(Source: Rotary International news)
World Interact Week - November 12, 2007
WORLD INTERACT WEEK
Anguilla’s Rotary Interact Club has been newly revived. Congratulations to all who are participants in this exciting and inspiring venture.
Last week – November 5 through 11 – was Rotary World Interact Week. What is INTERACT?
Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young people. Made up of members ages 14-18 or secondary-school age, Interact gives young people an opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful service projects. Along the way, Interactors develop their leadership skills and initiative while meeting new friends.
Through their service activities, Interactors learn the importance of
• Developing leadership skills and personal integrity
• Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others
• Understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work
• Advancing international understanding and goodwill
Interactors have access to the many resources of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation of RI. Rotary International provides the administrative support that helps Interact clubs thrive.
When RI President Harold T. Thomas traveled the world during his year in office in 1959-60, he discovered a deep and widespread feeling among Rotarians that Rotary’s potential for developing youth service had not been fully realized. In 1960, Thomas appointed a committee of five Rotarians to explore the issue, and two years later, 23 students at Melbourne High School in Melbourne, Florida, USA, came together to form the first Interact club.
The word Interact stands for “international action,” and today nearly 200,000 young people in more than 110 countries belong to some 8,700 clubs, making Interact a truly international phenomenon. All over the world, young people are spreading fellowship and international understanding through a wide array of Interact service activities.
The newly-revived Anguilla Interact Club meets at 3:15 p.m. every Wednesday in Room 6 at the high school.
For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.
Anguilla’s Rotary Interact Club has been newly revived. Congratulations to all who are participants in this exciting and inspiring venture.
Last week – November 5 through 11 – was Rotary World Interact Week. What is INTERACT?
Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young people. Made up of members ages 14-18 or secondary-school age, Interact gives young people an opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful service projects. Along the way, Interactors develop their leadership skills and initiative while meeting new friends.
Through their service activities, Interactors learn the importance of
• Developing leadership skills and personal integrity
• Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others
• Understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work
• Advancing international understanding and goodwill
Interactors have access to the many resources of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation of RI. Rotary International provides the administrative support that helps Interact clubs thrive.
When RI President Harold T. Thomas traveled the world during his year in office in 1959-60, he discovered a deep and widespread feeling among Rotarians that Rotary’s potential for developing youth service had not been fully realized. In 1960, Thomas appointed a committee of five Rotarians to explore the issue, and two years later, 23 students at Melbourne High School in Melbourne, Florida, USA, came together to form the first Interact club.
The word Interact stands for “international action,” and today nearly 200,000 young people in more than 110 countries belong to some 8,700 clubs, making Interact a truly international phenomenon. All over the world, young people are spreading fellowship and international understanding through a wide array of Interact service activities.
The newly-revived Anguilla Interact Club meets at 3:15 p.m. every Wednesday in Room 6 at the high school.
For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.
Rotary's Polio Efforts - November 5, 2007
STAR POWER ADDED TO ROTARY’S POLIO EFFORTS
November is Rotary Foundation month, and it is the Rotary Foundation’s efforts worldwide that have helped to reduce the incidence of poliomyelitis to almost nothing in the world today. That eradication effort began for Rotary in 1986, when there were nearly 1000 new cases every single day. Now, there are many fewer than 1000 newer cases every year.
Rotarians from all over the world take part in National Immunization Days (NIDs) during which they administer oral polio vaccine to young children in the affected countries. Because it’s an oral vaccine, the one administering the medicine does not have to be a doctor or nurse – and that is why the ordinary Rotarian can get involved and make a difference.
Recently, Rotary International News reported that a little “star power” was added to this polio effort in Ethiopia. An excerpt follows:
Rotarians taking part in a polio immunization campaign in Ethiopia recently enjoyed a boost of star power for the eradication effort. Singer Beyoncé Knowles, scheduled to perform in Addis Ababa, met the group and helped administer the oral polio vaccine before taking the stage on 20 October.
"Beyoncé was so impressed with Rotary’s commitment to not only provide funding but to make the trip to administer the vaccine," said Ezra Teshome, of the Rotary Club of University District of Seattle, Washington, USA, who led the effort. Teshome immigrated to the United States from Ethiopia in 1971 and has headed up seven other immunization drives in his homeland.
The fight to end polio has made significant progress in Ethiopia, which has not reported a single case of the disease this year. The country recorded 22 cases in 2005 and 17 in 2006 after an outbreak in the Horn of Africa.
In addition to raising and contributing funds, over one million Rotarians have volunteered their time and personal resources to help vaccinate more than two billion children in 122 countries during national immunization campaigns.
Source: Rotary International News - 30 October 2007
November is Rotary Foundation month, and it is the Rotary Foundation’s efforts worldwide that have helped to reduce the incidence of poliomyelitis to almost nothing in the world today. That eradication effort began for Rotary in 1986, when there were nearly 1000 new cases every single day. Now, there are many fewer than 1000 newer cases every year.
Rotarians from all over the world take part in National Immunization Days (NIDs) during which they administer oral polio vaccine to young children in the affected countries. Because it’s an oral vaccine, the one administering the medicine does not have to be a doctor or nurse – and that is why the ordinary Rotarian can get involved and make a difference.
Recently, Rotary International News reported that a little “star power” was added to this polio effort in Ethiopia. An excerpt follows:
Rotarians taking part in a polio immunization campaign in Ethiopia recently enjoyed a boost of star power for the eradication effort. Singer Beyoncé Knowles, scheduled to perform in Addis Ababa, met the group and helped administer the oral polio vaccine before taking the stage on 20 October.
"Beyoncé was so impressed with Rotary’s commitment to not only provide funding but to make the trip to administer the vaccine," said Ezra Teshome, of the Rotary Club of University District of Seattle, Washington, USA, who led the effort. Teshome immigrated to the United States from Ethiopia in 1971 and has headed up seven other immunization drives in his homeland.
The fight to end polio has made significant progress in Ethiopia, which has not reported a single case of the disease this year. The country recorded 22 cases in 2005 and 17 in 2006 after an outbreak in the Horn of Africa.
In addition to raising and contributing funds, over one million Rotarians have volunteered their time and personal resources to help vaccinate more than two billion children in 122 countries during national immunization campaigns.
Source: Rotary International News - 30 October 2007
Humanitarian Award - October 29, 2007
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL HONOURED - 2007 HUMANITARIAN AWARD
The United Nations Association of New York has honoured Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation of RI with its 2007 Humanitarian Award on 25 October, in recognition of Rotary’s significant efforts to provide safe water and sanitation and its commitment to sustainable development worldwide.
"In the years since Rotary International has started focusing on water as one of its annual service emphases…we’ve learned just how much can be accomplished with relatively little, how a single small water project, perhaps a pump or a filter, can change the life of a community," says RI President Wilfrid J. Wilkinson. "However, our work has also included participation in many other major water projects."
The award is presented annually in observance of United Nations Day (24 October). This year's award ceremony focused on the global water crisis. Other honorees include Antony Burgmans, former chair of Unilever, and Cirque du Soleil's One Drop Foundation for their deep commitment to water care initiatives and sustainable development.
Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and special adviser to the UN secretary-general, served as honourary chair of the event.
Last October, the association honoured Robert L. Corcoran, president of the General Electric Foundation and Ann M. Veneman, executive director of UNICEF, for their significant work in global education.
The proceeds from the black-tie dinner will benefit organizations and enterprises working to alleviate water-related problems around the world.
For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose. You too can be part of this exceptional organization.
The United Nations Association of New York has honoured Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation of RI with its 2007 Humanitarian Award on 25 October, in recognition of Rotary’s significant efforts to provide safe water and sanitation and its commitment to sustainable development worldwide.
"In the years since Rotary International has started focusing on water as one of its annual service emphases…we’ve learned just how much can be accomplished with relatively little, how a single small water project, perhaps a pump or a filter, can change the life of a community," says RI President Wilfrid J. Wilkinson. "However, our work has also included participation in many other major water projects."
The award is presented annually in observance of United Nations Day (24 October). This year's award ceremony focused on the global water crisis. Other honorees include Antony Burgmans, former chair of Unilever, and Cirque du Soleil's One Drop Foundation for their deep commitment to water care initiatives and sustainable development.
Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and special adviser to the UN secretary-general, served as honourary chair of the event.
Last October, the association honoured Robert L. Corcoran, president of the General Electric Foundation and Ann M. Veneman, executive director of UNICEF, for their significant work in global education.
The proceeds from the black-tie dinner will benefit organizations and enterprises working to alleviate water-related problems around the world.
For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose. You too can be part of this exceptional organization.
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