Rotary is the biggest service organisation in the world. In other words, Rotary exists to help people locally, nationally, and internationally.

Rotary Clubs, and there are 500 of them in Great Britain alone support local hospices, schools and students, elderly, disadvantaged and disabled people and they encourage them for their achievements as carers and students.

There are more than a million Rotarians spread across the whole world. They have formed themselves into clubs so that they can best help their communities and support those in great need. Let me give you some examples. Thirty years ago, Rotary made a pledge to the world’s children that they would get rid of polio from the planet so that no child would die or be disabled by the disease. They work with partners and on their own raised $2 billion (that’s TWO BILLION US DOLLARS) and sent out volunteers to some of the most dangerous countries to immunise every child. This work is now 99% complete. Rotary provides shelter, food and water whenever and wherever there is a disaster. So, Rotary was there in Nepal last year and in the north of England this year providing aid.

Rotary is not in any way a religious, or exclusive organisation. Its members are men and women of all ages and from all walks of life who want to help and do some good in their area, for example by providing facilities for a Women’s Refuge or supporting local Young Carers.

Where do the clubs get their money from? By organising large and small fundraising events like Dragon Boat Races, Charity Golf Days, Sportsman’s Dinners, Car Shows, Bucket Collections, Christmas Collections etc. and they have fun doing it.

If this is the kind of thing you think you would like to be involved with, get in touch with us and email our Secretary Robin Allen.

robin_allen55@yahoo.co.uk