International Service

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International Service is the way in which Rotary helps those in other countries who have particular needs.  The power of Rotary brings clubs in developed countries together with clubs in less affluent, more needy locations and the combined will to succeed achieves wonders.  We do this through a direct link with a particular place, or by using the sheer numbers of Rotarians to support an international cause on the grand scale.

The Rotary Club of Westhoughton has contributed to a range of Rotary International's projects over the years, including:

• Emergency boxes, which include survival equipment to be rushed out to major emergencies.

• Aquaboxes, which provide filtration equipment to provide a supply of clean drinking water to communities who do not have one.

• Tools for self-reliance, where we collect old, unwanted hand tools from people in our locality to be refurbished and sent overseas to enable remote villages to provide facilities for themselves.

These schemes are funded from activities dedicated to international projects.  (We note that our Father Christmas sleigh collection is used totally for activities in Westhoughton)

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Wheelchairs for Ghana   (see images above)

Our biggest single international project was to send three whole container-loads, each of 110 wheelchairs to villages in Ghana, where there is a massive problem of serious lack of mobility.  This impacts not only the sufferer, but their families and others around them.  The wheelchairs give the affected people - young and adult - mobility, independence and greater self-sufficiency.  The problem was first observed by Simon Harrington, a paediatric nurse, who was working there.  He discussed the situation with his father, Rtn. Stephen Harrington.

The wheelchair project was already an established charity in Rotary International, and our member Rtn. Stephen Harrington took the initiative to set up a project in Ghana, because of his interest in the problem there.  He established a Rotary link with the township of Tamale, and set up a fund-raising campaign involving local schools and community organistions in Westhoughton.  In the end, he raised over £8,000 which was sufficient to procure three container-loads  - some 330 wheelchairs.

A fantastic Rotary project achieved through the initiative, leadership and dedication of one man, in conjunction with the support of the community of Westhoughton.