Photograph: RIBI President Jim Moulson talking to Rotary Peace Fellows at the University of Bradford.
It is proving to be a busy year for the President of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland (RIBI). As well as leading the organisation, President Jim Moulson has been visiting Rotary clubs across the UK and enjoyed various hands-on activities, including a wheelchair abseil.
Since taking on the role in July last year, President Jim has stepped up to many challenges: "I have helped the Rotary Shoebox Scheme, which delivers boxes of gifts to poverty-stricken people in parts of Europe, and I have had the privilege of working with Hitchin Helping Hands in Hertfordshire which helps elderly and disabled people to do their weekly shop.
"The Calvert Trust Exmoor was a very different challenge. The trust brings tremendous joy to people who have a whole range of special needs. Seeing people enjoying the great outdoors and bursting into smiles is incredibly moving. The staff are simply amazing and I am delighted to see this project is supported by local Rotarians and the surrounding community. I particularly enjoyed the abseiling, which I have done before but this time I was in a wheelchair. An incredible experience."
President Jim recently met the current class of Rotary Peace Fellows who are studying at the University of Bradford: “Rotary is committed to peace and what better way than helping to train the peace-keepers of the future. Here at University of Bradford, students learn conflict resolution, negotiating and effective diplomacy, skills very much needed in the modern world."
“Being a member of Rotary is more than simply shaking a can, although we do that very well.” says President Jim, “We give our time and our skills because we care and that dedication shines through our actions. This is the secret of our success and I would like to invite anyone who is interested in joining to get in touch with their local club. Where else can you achieve so much and have a great time?"
If you’d like to be involved with helping others in your community and make new friends while having fun in the process, contact your local Rotary club or visit www.ribi.org.
