Page 6 - Rotary Matters - March 2022

The Rotary Foundation – District update

Summer is here! Longer and warmer days (as well some sneezing from those ‘blooms’) and welcome
changes to COVID-19 restrictions with the reopening of the borders and outdoor gatherings expanded for
businesses including cafes.
Fellow Rotarians, we will hear a lot about targets on climate next few months as world leaders met for the
highly anticipated COP26 summit. Climate change isn’t just bad for the planet’s health-it’s bad for people
too. Trauma from floods, drought, and heat waves can lead to mental health issues and other diseases.
While many climate solutions require leadership from governments, we Rotarians and Rotary Clubs, also
need changes within our regular fundraising activities to tackle climate change. The Clubs can help to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions by recycling responsibly to lessen landfill waste and reduce the use
of single-use disposable plastics.
It is good news that The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have
both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: supporting the environment. Supporting the
environment becomes Rotary's seventh area of focus, which are categories of service activities supported
by global grants. It joins peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water,
sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic
development.

The Rotary Foundation has continued to support Clubs in the district and encourage the Club members
to support the Rotary Foundation, a wonderful concept to assist financially the administration and grants
in Rotary.

By any measure, 2021 has been successful and active year for the Foundation supporting programs for
the Rotary Clubs and organising End Polio Now campaign. During the year, the Foundation Committee
approved grants to 26 projects, and some of them never funded by Foundation before. The funded
projects undertaken by different Rotary Clubs were very competitive and met all areas of focus as
stipulated under The Rotary Foundation guidelines. The Foundation encourages the clubs to continue
visit the Foundation page to familiarise with information on district and global grants or the areas of focus.
The website has been modified to put the district grants information at the top of the webpage.

However, despite that progress in End Polio Now Fundraising Campaigns, we cannot afford to be
complacent. We know that giving the chance for the world children to live free from being disabled by
Polio hinges on getting the Polio Virus under control. Unfortunately, cases are still there, particularly in
communities with very low vaccination rates in Afghanistan.

It is with sincere pleasure working with the talented, funny, smart and dedicated Foundation Committee
2021-22. Sam Cozens (VTT and Scholarships), Lee Camporeale (Giving), PDG Jane Owens (Chair- Grants
Committee), Joseph Masika (Publicity/Newsletter), PDG Bob Cooper (End Polio - Ute Relay), Darryl Webb
(Promotion), PDG Jerry Casburn (Support). The Grants Committee Maureen Phillips (Global Grants) Ken
Parcell, Peter Schaefer and Jeanette Rich.
Above all, they are committed to being steadfast and supportive to Rotary Clubs and members. Feel free
to contact them or me at any time for any information you need in relation to the work of the Foundation
or district and Global Grants. We are always ready to help you.

I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank all our volunteers for all the ways in which you
work voluntarily to support our clubs and community. Thank you for the time and love that you give to
our Rotary Clubs.
Thank you,
Marie-louise Lees
Chair- The Rotary Foundation
Mobile: 0408 134 363 Email: foundationgrantschair@rotary9510.org

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