Imagine… You’re eight years old, It’s Friday afternoon at school. For many kids your age, the weekend is a time for soccer games and laughter. For you, it’s a reminder of the poverty you live in and the empty feeling in your belly because there is very little food in your home.
This year, I offered clubs the opportunity to pack food for children at my official visits. 1,060 Rotarians throughout our district participated in the food packing project packing over 6,400 bags to distribute to children who suffer from weekend hunger.. By simply investing 15 minutes of your day to serve in a simple project during a club meeting, sprinkled with a bit of fellowship and fun, we made a positive impact in over 6,400 children's lives in District 5870 Central Texas.
If you haven’t heard, we were able to fully fund a $25,000 Ukrainian Child Refugee Camp over Labor Day Weekend. Together with Peaceable Kingdom by Variety (our new RYLA home), we created a space where the Ukrainian refugee children and parents could connect with their community. We gave them an opportunity to step away from the reminders of war and take a much needed deep breath; to have a place for the children to explore, play and just be kids. If you haven’t had the opportunity to view the highlights of the weekend, you can do so by watching the video here.
At the beginning of the Rotary year, I asked our leaders to imagine a world without polio. I challenged each club to involve the public and attempt to raise $1,500 per club for End Polio Now. The months leading up to World Polio Day and beyond have had events like Pints for Polio, “Pies for Polio” as well as other events in an attempt to raise money and awareness for this horrible disease. Thank you for all of your energy, participation and contributions. Click here to see a few World Polio Day events which were captured on video.
As we move into November,Foundation month in Rotary, I humbly ask you to consider giving to The Rotary Foundation - Annual Fund if you haven not already done so. By investing in the Annual Fund, we guarantee a return three years later when our district gets that contribution back to support our club DAP Grants, vocational grants, global grants and projects such as the Backpack Friends food packing service project offered during my official visits. Through our support of The Rotary Foundation, ordinary people, like you and I make an extraordinary impact working together & changing lives every day
As I close, I would like to invite you to join me for an evening of fellowship and fun as we celebrate our support of The Rotary Foundation on January 28 at the Courtyard Marriott in Pflugerville. Registration is now open for the “District 5870 Foundation Celebration” (Foundation Gala) and spots are limited. Click HERE to register today. Major Donors, make sure to look for your invitation coming on Dec 1.
On behalf of District 5870 Central Texas, thank you for your service. Thank you for Imagining Rotary with me this year and for being the change you want to see in the world. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!
In Service,
DG Shannon