Special Message From The Rotary Foundation Chair (Nov 08, 2019)

November is Rotary Foundation Month!

Dear Rotarians! By now you should have received my letter. I encourage you to take a moment to think about the small actions of each Rotarian as a trigger for advancing the dignity of every global citizen. Triggers to not only treat the few remaining cases of Polio globally, but to stamp out the conditions that allow the disease to thrive.

The 6 areas of focus of the Foundation are avenues to channel our energies into being part of a global solution to a healthier and more vibrant world, as our District Governor Mark Bradley pointed out in his visit to our Club. If people are vaccinated against a disease in their own community, have access to clean water and, a sanitary place to use the bathroom; they are a step ahead of the game on everything else. From this foundation, they can receive regular medical care and then regularly attend school. As our late friend Ivan Butterfield used to say, “We are going to sock it to illiteracy. “Who could forget those wild socks Ivan used to wear. A literate population is a springboard to a vibrant community and economic development leading to less inequality and conflict.

You get asked to help a lot of worthy causes, I know, but at our organizational roots is a foundation that is changing the world for the better, powered by our grassroots support. For Rotarians across the globe, the Foundation is “Job One.” Please participate in our local 2019 Foundation Drive with a gift of any size. Please keep in mind your gift is multiplied with the generous matching of the Gates Foundation. Our 2019 goal is $5,000.

Editor’s Note: To make a secure credit card gift online go to our Club website (www.springfieldmarotary.org) and select the “Donate“ tab from the blue menu bar, then choose “Give to Rotary Foundation.”

In Service,

Jack Toner

Rotary Foundation Committee Chair