Page 8 - 2023年12月號

TRUSTEE CHAIR’S MESSAGE

What Rotary is all about

“So this is Christmas / And what have you Of course, our reach extends far beyond
done?” sang John Lennon in the holiday classic disease prevention and treatment. During times of
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” released in 1971 disaster, we must act swiftly to alleviate suffering
with Yoko Ono. and offer support. In response to the devastating
The holidays are a time of warmth and earthquake in Morocco in September, The Rotary
togetherness but also of reflection. Above all, the Foundation Trustees established the Morocco
season is a time of generosity, especially to those Earthquake Response Fund to support immediate
less fortunate. relief efforts led by Rotary members on the ground.
During your holiday giving, remember that You can contribute directly, and your districts can
gifts to The Rotary Foundation may not fit nicely in apply for grants from the fund until 21 September
a present box , yet they keep on giving throughout 2024 or until the funds are fully allocated. Anyone
the year. can initiate a fundraiser for the Morocco fund on
December is also Disease Prevention and Raise for Rotary, opening further avenues for your
Treatment Month. Just think of all the Rotary generosity.
efforts that would not be possible without the We truly have the gift of giving. There are
generosity of you, our Rotary family. Consider the no limits to the opportunities to give and make a
incredible progress we have achieved in our fight difference through Rotary.
to end polio Ñ the countless lives we’ve saved and As we approach the end of the year, I invite
the hope we’ve restored. Think of all the clinics you to make your gifts before 31 December. Your
around the world Rotary has equipped and the generosity will have a profound impact on many Ñ
medical professionals trained through Foundation people who you may never meet, but whose lives
grants, helping fight heart disease and Guinea you will change just the same.
worm disease. On behalf of Esther and myself, we wish you
Your gifts to the Foundation also help make all a joyful holiday season. Thank you for your
health care accessible to underserved communities continued support, dedication, and unwavering
in a big way through Programs of Scale. Right now, commitment to The Rotary Foundation and to what
those grant recipients are working to end malaria Rotary is all about: helping others.
in Zambia, reduce the mortality rate of mothers
and their infants in Nigeria, and eliminate cervical BARRY RASSIN
cancer in Egypt. Foundation trustee chair
Illustration by Viktor Miller Gausa
6 ᇃᢊ׭ᎈȁ2023.12