I wanted to begin by thanking Rotarians and friends of Rotary for all they do, particularly to give thanks for our Rotarians who have passed to higher service, whilst extending our condolences to their families. They ensured Rotary connected the world as they gave service.
But, as we head towards Rotary’s future service, let us always remember that the footsteps of those we have lost truly made a difference. The path they trod actively opened opportunities for us to be able to continue, leaving a legacy to our communities’ future.
For all of us affected by this loss, let’s ensure we support their loved ones and each other – now and in the future.
For all of us affected by this loss, let’s ensure we support their loved ones and each other – now and in the future.”
As we near the Rotary year end, we must recognise that, during COVID-19, Rotary achieved so much locally, nationally and internationally.
We have connected in ways we could not have envisaged. Importantly, Rotary is proving how it is as relevant now, as it was in the past.
It is needed in every community as Rotarians are ‘People of Action’ and Rotarians have taken action by making a difference to those in need.
As we head towards Rotary’s future service, let us always remember that the footsteps of those we have lost truly made a difference. The path they trod actively opened opportunities for us to be able to continue, leaving a legacy to our communities’ future.
Rotarians will continue to create opportunities, which will enable further action after these worrying times.
We are stronger when we work together. That combined strength and joined-up thinking must be continued for the benefit of communities, society and, importantly, for humanity.
Our time now is a time of doing. It is a time of accepting change and of reflection. It is a time to understand what we do is as relevant now as it was in the past. It is a time to reflect on the importance our commitment has benefitted so many people.
But also our vulnerability may have also made us realise that what we had is all we needed. And, if we had more than we needed, then we are fortunate and our glass always remains half full.
We are stronger when we work together. That combined strength and joined-up thinking must be continued for the benefit of communities, society and, importantly, for humanity.”
We will be mindful that those who have lost family members, jobs and businesses, both at home and internationally, will be trying to rebuild their lives and that we, as Rotarians, have a continuing part to play in helping them move forward.
Importantly, Rotary is recognised for what it does. We are not a secret organisation, but can now be seen as active, action enablers in all of our communities.
Now is the time to take more action, individually and collectively, to extend the hand of friendship to the amazing volunteers who have been working shoulder to shoulder within our communities. With us and for us.
Rotary is recognised for what it does. We are not a secret organisation, but can now be seen as active, action enablers in all of our communities.”
We each must invite them to be part of our global organisation as they will help us to become even stronger and we are stronger together.
My glass is full of pride as I look at what you have done and achieved. Your commitment to our values has made a difference.
As a Rotarian, you have made other’s lives better. Until we meet again, please stay safe.
We need to have positivity in our thinking, to look for the light at the end of the tunnel as the worries and stresses we have lived with will no doubt have had an effect, but our glasses must remain half full and we must promote an optimistic view as we take strength as we move ahead because we are Rotary and as Rotarians we take action, change lives and create a lasting change.
