Ashby-de-la-Zouch Rotary is part of Rotary International which operates in all but a few countries of the world. By channelling resources through the Rotary movement we can be sure that overseas aid is reaching its targets.
Disaster Aid
There are a number of specific projects which have been achieving success for disasters which were founded, and continue to be funded, by Rotary. When disaster strikes the immediate need is for shelter and clean water. Rotary fulfils both of these objectives by sending Aquaboxes, which are a plastic water tank with a filtration system, and Shelterboxes, which are ten person tents complete with sleeping bags and essential cooking equipment. In recent earthquakes and flooding, Rotary has been able to get this early aid into where it is needed within 72 hours.
The Eradication of Polio
Since the 1980s Rotary has been working with other agencies to rid the world of polio, by funding and providing personnel for the imunisation of every child in the world. The task is nearly complete, but we cannot let up until the world is completely clear of the disease. From 2017 to 2020 Rotary received a 'double matching' promise, up to a maximum of $300 million, from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation! Ashby Rotary has used some of the money raised in our local fundraising efforts to put towards this goal. Poliomyelitis is only a plane ride away from the UK so we must finish the job! We will continue this again in 2024
International Understanding and Peace Movement
Rotary sponsors many young people to continue their education in another country as Ambassadorial Scholars in an endeavour to foster international understanding. Many of today's leaders have benefitted by this Rotary programme since 1947 with some 40,000 young adults from 69 countries having been sponsored to study in 64 receiving countries.
Ashby-de-la-Zouch Rotary has friendship arrangements in both France and Germany, with long standing links with the Rotary Club of Pithiviers in France, Ashby's official twin town and with Melle-Wittlage in the Lower-Saxony region of Germany. Rotarians have developed friendships with members of these clubs and visits have been made in both directions.
Ashby Rotary stands with Ukraine by providing funds to deliver humanitarian aid and supports active peace initiatives wherever there is a need in the world.
Members of Rotary are entitled to visit any Rotary organisation across the world. We welcome Rotarians from overseas to join us in bringing hope to the world.