What Rotary is All About
Recent World President of Rotary International, Wilf Wilkinson, recently said this:
All of us in Rotary know that we're part of something larger than ourselves.
We know that Rotary is an organisation that transcends the boundaries
of religion, language, and culture. We know that it is a force for
peace, goodwill, and fellowship, and we know that it is a force 1.2 million strong.
(Rotary Down Under - Issue 488, September 2007 at page 4)
Rotary International is a worldwide service organisation
which undertakes many outstanding services and is a superb enterprise.
In October 2007, this remarkable community of humanitarian men and women comprised
1,210,040 Rotarians, in 32,738 Clubs, in 529 Districts across 207 countries and geographical regions.
In Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands there are 46,583 members in 1,491 clubs.
Such is the level of worldwide respect for Rotary International that it enjoys formal representation within the
United Nations. It may be the only organisation of its kind which is afforded the honour of such high office.
PolioPlus is just one stunning example of the incalculable contribution made to humankind.
The concept of ridding the world of poliomyelitis was developed by Rotary internationally in 1980
and has now been described as the greatest humanitarian project the world has seen.
Is it any wonder that Rotarians are so proud of the crucial role they play in modern society?
In 2005 Rotary International celebrated its centenary, having been founded
in Chicago USA in February 1905 by the world renowned Paul Harris,
a young lawyer and resident of that famous American city.
It has recently been pointed out by an independent observer, that
not many organisations survive for a hundred or more years.
It is testimony to the great value of Rotary International that such
a milestone has been reached and with such astonishing success.
In 1981, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India, attended an RI
Convention in Sao Paulo, Brazil and made this statement -
"If we really want to love, if we really want to live, we must
love until it hurts .... No Rotarian whose motto is Service
Above Self, I think, should call himself a Rotarian if he does
not make time to serve .... If we love, we begin to serve.
And this where that beautiful motto begins that the Rotarians
have made this year, Take Time to Serve."
("A Century of Service -The Story of Rotary International" by David C. Forward
Rotary International 2003, at Page 69)
The Stirling Club at Work
Rotarians are actively involved in caring for their local communities.
These members gave their valuable time responding to a plea for help
to be provided for a Crafers lady suffering from a serious car crash injury.
Hard at work moving a large load of mulch from the lady’s driveway to her garden areas.
Beyond our Local Community
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In this case, then Club President Dick Wilson, and International Service Director, Roger Irvine, accompanied by their wives, visited the Rotary Club of Sampugita Grace Park in the Philippines capital, Manila, and attended to the legal and operating arrangements to finalise this important humanitarian contribution.
Every Picture Tells a Story!
Precious water in a new tank Stirling Rotarians, Dick Wilson and Roger Irvine with Manila Rotarians
Grateful children express a sincere welcome Stirling Rotarians sign up with Sampugita club members
The Club at work closer to Home
Past President Roger Irvine presents Stirling Hospital CEO, Wendy Chappel,
with a cheque for $5000.00 for the purchase of an electric bed.
The club has now donated funding to meet the costs of 2.5 electric beds
for this important local health care facility.
If you are not already a member, please give serious consideration
to joining this great networking and humanitarian organisation.
