Not many foundations have been in existence for 100 years.
November is an important month in the lives of Rotarians worldwide. This month, we celebrate the Rotary Foundation’s 100th birthday.
Rotary International, the parent club of Kingston Rotary, brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.
Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in 200 countries and geographical areas. Our work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in our own communities to working toward a polio-free world.
The Rotary Foundation is the $1 billion charitable arm of Rotary International. Established in 1917 with a donation of $26.50, it is dedicated to advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace. Through grants and other resources, Rotary members develop sustainable projects that promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, and grow local economies.
Currently, the Kingston club is collaborating with Etta Projects on a water project in Bolivia which will provide safe, clean water to 33 families. Earlier this year, the club provided matching funds for two Kingston/North Kitsap school programs that raised funds for an at-risk school in Costa Rica.
Rotary’s top priority is the global eradication of polio. Rotary launched its polio immunization program, PolioPlus, in 1985 and in 1988 became a leading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative along with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most recent partner is the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Rotary has contributed more than $1.5 billion and countless volunteer hours to eradicate polio. Through 2018, every dollar Rotary commits to polio eradication will be matched 2-to-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, up to $35 million a year.
Since the initiative began, the incidence of polio worldwide has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent — from about 350,000 cases a year to less than 71 confirmed in 2015.
Community members wishing to contribute to The Rotary Foundation may contact Kingston’s Foundation chair, De’ Mackinnon at demackinnon@hotmail.com, or go directly to PolioPlus and contribute online.
Brianne Magruder, Kingston Rotary’s Community Services chairperson, reports the following grants have been awarded by the Kingston Rotary Community Services Committee:
n Kingston Middle School, in support of Implementing Navigation 101.
n Kingston Kiwanis, in support of its Back to School Supply Drive.
n Kingston Super Seniors, in support of their monthly luncheon program at Village Green Community Center.
These grants are in addition Kingston-North Kitsap Rotary providing almost $10,—-to the local Food for Kids program.
Kingston Rotarians apply our vocational expertise, service, and leadership to both local and worldwide problems. It is a diverse group, which enables connection of different perspectives to approach problems from many angles. Meetings are at 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays at the Village Green Community Center. Guests are always welcome.
Come join the fun and get involved.
— Contact Ron Carter at rcarter010@centurytel.net.
