As 2012 draws to an end, I would like to extend my thanks to everyone, everywhere who has made this year a tremendous success in communities at home and overseas. From the Rotary Global Swimarathon in February, organised by the Rotary Club of Grantham, set a new world record and brought Rotary together all over the world, to the dedication of Rotarians who fly out to India to administer the polio vaccine, Rotary has been reaching out and helping communities everywhere. This success is also thanks to the magnificent support of the public and I thank everyone who has backed their local club and activities.
My travels across Great Britain and Ireland have offered me the opportunity to see for myself the marvellous work carried out by local clubs. As well as enthusiasm, commitment and an understanding of local needs, I have discovered that no project is too big or too small for a Rotary club and district to undertake. By giving time, energy and a bit of creative thinking, Rotary clubs in these islands achieve a great deal and I invite the public to discover their local club and find out just how it make a positive difference.
I know that sometimes Rotary is perceived as a lunchtime club. Well, I can say without a doubt that clubs are incredibly active. I have met clubs which give their time to supporting disabled riding schools, packing Water Survival Boxes, managing the construction of hydrotherapy swimming pools and it really would not be Christmas without the Santa sleigh bringing delight to children everywhere. I have just heard that the sixth Stamford Santa Fun Run attracted around 750 Santas. It was organised by the Rotary Club of Burghley and has previously raised over £85,000 for charities including Rotary charities. It’s too early to say how much this years event will raise but it is expected to be in the region of £15,000, a tremendous amount.
Next year, I will have the honour of attending the national finals of many youth competitions, including RIBI Young Chef, RIBI Young Musician and RIBI Youth Speaks. These are real opportunities for young people to put their talents to the test. The finals follow weeks of intense and fun competition as the entrants make their way through local and regional heats, supported by family, friends and, of course, their local Rotary club. These competitions are tremendous fun and offer an opportunity to showcase their talents. RIBI Young Photographer and RIBI Young Writer and never fail to amaze. The creativity and craftsmanship of the submissions is simply breath-taking and it would not surprise me if these youngster pursue careers in the arts. Interact and Rotaract clubs are ideal for those interested in joining a group and working together to help others. These can be set up in schools or colleges and offer a great way to make new friends, make a difference and develop confidence. You can find out more by visiting the New Generations area of the website or by contacting your local Rotary club.
Nominations are still coming in for the RIBI Young Citizen Awards, which will be presented at the highlight of the RIBI Rotary year, RIBI Conference. Each year, five awards are given to individuals or groups for outstanding work in the community. Many of these youngsters have overcome adversity that has inspired them to take action. Who can forget the determination of Lydia Cross, who lost her lower legs to meningitis and continues to raise funds for soldiers who have lost limbs in action. It will be an honour to present these awards in April at the RIBI Conference and meet these wonderful young people who have done so much.
2012 really has been the year of the volunteer and I would like to appeal to all those who helped to make the London 2012 Olympics a reality. Hundreds helped everyone to enjoy the biggest sporting event this country has seen in many years. There is clearly a recruitment opportunity if they would like to keep helping.
Although we are now down to less than 200 new cases of polio in the last year, the battle is far from over. The political and financial obstacles to full eradication remain significant therefore it’s essential that we continue to build awareness, raise funds, and encourage advocacy. The time around Rotary Day in February is ideal for extra support of our End Polio Now programme. Find out how Rotarians are helping to end polio by seeing them in action in these BBC broadcasts when Medical Correspondent Fergus Walsh travelled with a group to India.
Sheila and I look forward to meeting many of you at the RIBI Conference in Harrogate from 12th to 14th April 2013. We are putting together a programme of outstanding speakers and top quality entertainment.
I hope that 2013 brings everyone health, happiness and joy, wherever you are.
RIBI President John Minhinick
2012/13
