International

Rotary is International, made up of a worldwide network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

Here at the Rotary Club of Rushden, not only do we work to help, support, improve and join in with our local community, but we also look to see how we can help others across the world.

In the last Rotary year (1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026) we continued our successful work to supply pre-worn spectacles via our Rotary partners in York to Africa, where they are much needed to aid those with poor vision to achieve employment. To date (June 2026) we have supplied more than 23,366 pairs since beginning 3 years ago.

We collected donation for Mary's Meals - an organisation that supplies nutritious school meals to children in some of the poorest communities. We have raised another £300 during the last Rotary year for this worthy good cause.

In November 2025 we held a fundraiser for Medicins san Frontiers, Sight Savers and Mercy Ships. We were entertained by the Raunds Ukelele Orchestra and the Perfect Resonance Choir and were delighted to realise £600 to donate to our chosen charities.

After a stirring after dinner oratory from Sally Searle at a Rotary Meeting, we undertook collecting clothing, games and books following her appeal for help for “Bombolulu” School in Kenya. The result was excellent with lots of Rotarians making generous donations as well as some non-Rotarians.

Our final fundraising opportunity was to play a large part in aid of “Bansang Hospital Appeal” which supports a Hospital in the Gambia, West Africa. A large attendance were entertained by Mazaika Duo who were a sensational success and the result was an impressive £3000+ for the continued development of services to this hospital that serves 600,000 people.

This new Rotary Year sees us preparing for more work and action. None of this could happen without the undoubted energy and enthusiasm of our International Committee and I would like to pay tribute to last year’s Committee members and welcome some new members that have joined us.

Committee Members for 2026/27 are: Rick Nunley (Chair), David Herbert, Glenis Haynes, Rod Wooding, Bob Parker, Graham West and Cera Wilkins.

For further information please contact Rick Nunley:
E: ricknunley211048@gmail.com
T: 07804 193775