Rotary News & Views
bharat dholakia
Rotary News & Views:
By PDG Bharat Dholakia & Rtn L.V.Vora
UGENT CALL
This is an URGENT appeal
to all of you to rise to the occasion and
help all those who have suddenly found themselves on the road with no
roof over their heads. It is a very sad situation and ROTARY can not
sit back and just watch. We have to do something to help them.
For now, our request is to find water, ugali and blankets and other
food stuff.
This is our first step and we will then decide on how to distribute
them and what more to do to rehabilitate and find Peace and Hope.
DGE Kaushik has talked to Rtn. Robert Kinyua and he has agreed that we
can use Parklands Sports Club as a central collection point for
Rotarian contributions. His mobile is 0722-707378.
I'll keep you posted on the progress.
Please forward this message to your friends and associates and other
Rotarians.
Warm Regards
Sudesh Walia
VCC, Kenya,Rotary District 9200
sudesh@fairheadkenya.com
Courtesy: eFlash_Rotary
R I President's Message for January 2008
Since 1988, when polio eradication efforts began, Rotary
International has been a spearheading partner in the fight to end the
disease. Longtime Rotarians know the history well. There have been
triumphs and setbacks. There have been times of rapid advances and
times when progress has seemed slow. There have been times when the
end seemed very near. But never has it been nearer than it is right
now.
Before the campaign to eliminate polio, about 1,000 children a day –
350,000 a year – were paralyzed by this terrible disease. These
children were left to a life of struggle and disability, and often of
social stigma. Today, only four countries are still polio-endemic,
and annual cases of polio paralysis are down to about 1,000 a year.
We've come so far, yet the nature of the wild poliovirus means that
if we slacken our efforts for even a moment, we'll soon see our hard
work reversed. We have only two options: to press on with
determination and faith until we succeed, or to lose everything we've
invested and everything we've gained.
The generosity of Rotarians in responding to the call for help has
been astounding. We've raised more than US$600 million to support
polio eradication in 122 countries. We've saved the lives of
thousands of children through the polio vaccine and the vitamin
supplements distributed with it, and we've saved countless more from
the often desperate realities of postpolio paralysis.
Now we're in the final stretch of this long and difficult, but
exhilarating, race. It's literally a question of choice – to win or
lose, succeed or fail. Our partners around the world have recognized
how critical this juncture is, and many have stepped in with added
support, financial and practical. The recently announced grant of
$100 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a resounding
vote of confidence in polio eradication efforts. Their financial
support will be invaluable in the months ahead, and their trust in
Rotary is an honor to us all.
Many of you have already given so much to the battle against polio.
Each of you is forever a part of history – part of Rotary's legacy
and its gift to the world's children. Today, we call on all
Rotarians – but especially on new Rotarians who have not been a part
of campaigns in the past – to do what they can, to help in any way
they can, to finish this fight once and for all.
Wilfrid J. (Wilf) Wilkinson
President, Rotary International
Courtesy: eFlash_Rotary
A $100 million vote of confidence
Dear family of Rotary,
The US$100 million grant made to Rotary International by the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation recognizes Rotarians' determination and
accomplishments in the global effort to eradicate polio. We can all
feel proud that the world's largest foundation has placed such faith
in Rotary's ability to get the job done. A gift of this size is a
salute to Rotarians everywhere. It also elevates Rotary's stature in
the eyes of governments, our partners in the Global Polio Eradication
Initiative, and other organizations that we may choose to work with
in the future.
The most important aspect of this grant is, of course, the
opportunity it provides to quickly fund the most critical areas of
need. We will now have more resources to promote National
Immunization Days, carry out effective surveillance and mop-up
campaigns, and respond rapidly to outbreaks in polio-free countries.
When William Gates Sr. addressed the RI Convention in Salt Lake City,
he urged us to think big. Anything less, he said, would be a waste of
our potential and betray the optimism we've earned a right to have.
This grant from the Gates Foundation has given us the means to expand
our own thinking and to be even more optimistic that soon no child
will ever suffer the devastating effects of polio.
I encourage all of you to learn more about the Gates Foundation grant
and to find out how you can help in our final push toward a polio-
free world.
Robert S. Scott
Trustee Chair, The Rotary Foundation, 2007-08
Courtesy:eFlash_Rotary
1st January, 2008
Dear Friends,
The year 2007-2008 has been a very eventful year till date. In almost all spheres of concern, we have made a great progress. Membership Development has outpaced our expectations. Service activities have gathered momentum and our public relations have been positive. Our great achievements are in the sphere of The Rotary Foundation. Our contributions have blazed new trails. Rotarian Harshad Mehta of Dist: 3140 has pledged US$ Two Million for Polio eradication. You must be aware that Bill Gates has given 100 Million for Polio Eradication. Many new major Donors are entering the arena of our Foundations activities. We are all set to excel in various fields of service.
All these have been achieved because Rotarians Care, RotariansShare and Rotarians are Aware of the needs. Clubs continue to devote attention to the needs of the community and Rotarians continue to offer their best for our Institution. Leadership at Club level and the District level has contributed immense inputs to spell SUCCESS.
We however, need to be active and aware. We can not sit back and relax at what we have achieved. There is no end to Service and there are many more areas that Rotary can target in the coming months. We need to retain existing members. We need to add many more hands for help. We need continuous education through information. We need enhanced Public Relations. We need to strengthen The Rotary Foundation. We need to train our future leaders. We need to exchange our scope of activities. We need to strengthen the bonds of fellowship and family closeness. We need to evolve schemes of Vocational Training and Entrepreneurship. We need to heed to the danger signals of ecological degradation. We need much more and we need to be aware and
well armed to tackle the problems. Health, Water, Hunger and many problems are awaiting our contributions – our involvement – our concern.
The new semi-annual period awaits our commitment. Commitment without action is fruitless. We need to act – and act decisively- for success.
R I President Wilf Wilkinson is happy with Rotary but he has to be made happier. Unless we keep the tempo of service and even excel in certain spheres, our goals will remain dreams. Let us dream with eyes open, arms outstretched and compassion flowing freely and ensure success for Rotary to be proud of. Let us be an envy to other service organizations and be a pride to our Rotary.
The ball is in your court. Play the game with a determination to win and a commitment to persevere.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008
Good Luck.
ASHOK MAHAJAN
DIRECTOR - RO TARY INTERNATIONAL
Smile - Serve - Sacrifice - Satisfy
www.ashokmahajan.com
New financial resources
available
Two new resources will help Rotary clubs and districts with
financial
management.
The first resource is the Club Treasurer's Manual. It is a section in
the Club Secretary's Manual that teaches club treasurers about their
role and responsibilities, and it helps with creating budgets.
The District Finance Committee Resource Guide is a general guide for
financial practices. The four-page document explains how the district
finance committee should work with the clubs in its district.
These two documents were approved by the Rotary International Board of
Directors in November
Source: Rotary International
Apply for convention
booth by 31 January
Clubs, districts, and Global Networking Groups must apply by 31 January
for exhibition booth space at the 2008 RI Convention in Los Angeles.
Starting February, space will be allocated on a first-come, first-
served basis.
Download an application for project exhibition space or an application
for Global Networking Groups booth space and send it to
exhibitor@rotary.org or fax it to 847-328-9239.
Source: Rotary International
Jayaram Thakkar
Dera Bharatbhai
Thanks
Thanks & Regards,
Jayaram Thakkar
Head Operational Efficiency
(Co-ordinator for Lean Kaizen)
Shelys Pharmaceuticals Limited
New Bagamoyo Road, Mwenge
Plot No. 696, Block No. 32
P O Box - 3016
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel: +255 22 2771715/ 6/ 7, Fax: +255 - 22 - 2772417
Mobile Phone No: +255 784800921
Website: www.sumariagroup.com
Trust Integrity Passion Excellence
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