ERADICATING POLIO
Rotary’s battle against polio depends heavily on Rotarians’ advocacy of government, corporate, and public support. Aziz Memon believes that kind of effort will help Pakistan eradicate polio and score other health gains at the same time.
MAKING NEW GRANTS
From 2010 to 2013, 100 Rotary districts tested the Future Vision Plan, The Rotary Foundation’s new grant model. Of the 705 global grants approved for projects, 81 were carried out by District 4250. The district is led by Jorge Aufranc, who, with his club, Guatemala Sur, was directly involved in five of the grants.
FIGHTING DISEASE
After her son died of AIDS in 1994, Marion Bunch started the Rotarians Fighting AIDS Action Group, which is now Rotarians for Family Health and AIDS Prevention and has branched out to treat and prevent many other diseases.
PROVIDING CLEAN WATER
Rotarians are working worldwide to ensure that communities have sustainable access to safe water, improved sanitation, and hygiene. Samuel Obour has headed several water projects, including drilling boreholes and installing wells, aimed at supplying clean water throughout Ghana.
PROMOTING PEACE
Three Rotary Global Peace Forums, held in Berlin, Honolulu, and Hiroshima, energized over 6,300 people to work for peace in their communities. Brigitta von Messling, a trainer in peace operations and Rotary Peace Fellow alumna, participated as a panelist at the Berlin forum.
PARTNERING FOR A BETTER WORLD
Collaborating with other leading organizations enables Rotary to multiply its impact. Working with Mercy Ships, Dr. Arun Chaudhari of India led a vocational training team of eye surgeons to share their skills with doctors in Guinea, resulting in a higher, sustainable level of patient care.
TRANSFORMING ROTARY CLUBS
Younger members add energy and a host of skills to Rotary clubs. Holly Ransom became president of her club at age 22, with a focus on membership diversity and creating more volunteer opportunities.
EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE
More than a half-million students and young adults help improve their communities through Rotary programs. Pankaj Jethwani of India led his Rotaract club in providing vision screenings and comprehensive eye care to thousands of schoolchildren in poor neighborhoods.
SUPPORTING ROTARY’S WORK
In 2012-13, 55 Rotarians and friends of Rotary were inducted into the Arch C. Klumph Society, honored for their contributions of $250,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation. In addition to providing generous support, donors like Cecil “Pancho” Padilla are taking a leading role in carrying out Rotary grant projects.