Rotarians Provide After-School Program

To many of us, an “international project” usually describes activities taking place in developing countries, beyond our national boundaries. However, to Rotarians who don’t live in North America, international projects take place right here, in our own backyards. Rotary is such an amazing organization, and it’s thanks to our global network that communities in North America benefit from Rotary Foundation grants through the generosity of Rotarians around the world. Working with club s and districts from outside of North America, our Foundation’s programs have enabled Rotarians from around the world to enhance the lives of our fellow countrymen and women.

One example of such a project was a Matching Grant that took place in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Rotarians from Canada partnered with the Rotary Club of Taipei Fu-Jung, Taiwan to help provide an after-school program for inner-city children at the Hastings-Tillicum Community School Society in Vancouver. There was over US$18,000 committed internationally to that project. Another fantastic project highlighted in our “Doing Good in the World Videos” shows a Matching Grant project following the disastrous effects of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, USA. The project was supported by multiple countries and further exemplifies the local impact from partnerships through our Foundation.

I was curious to know the magnitude of funding and assistance that we as North Americans have received from other countries as we celebrate our Foundation. Over US$2 million has been contributed over the last 10 years by 66 countries to the United States and Canada alone. Below is a chart that shows the amount of funds and the regions that have supported these matching and global grant projects in the US and Canada:

It is staggering to see the wonderful partnerships and support we have received over the years. As we share The Rotary Foundation this month and throughout the years to come, let’s remember that the term “international” depends on where you are from! Feel free to share this information with Rotarians, friends and family showing how much support we have received….not just how much we have given outside of North America.