2011-12 Foundation Chair: Neil Rawnsley

The Rotary Foundation - reported by Tav MacPherson

The Mission of The Rotary Foundation (TRF) is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty.

Founded in 1917 with a donation of $26.50, the world-wide annual contributions have expanded to US$223 million (2008-2009) with cumulative contributions of over US$2.4 billion.  A recent critique by Charity Navigator awarded The Rotary Foundation the highest possible rating of four stars and commented that TRF has efficient administration, sound investment practices and excellent control of the distribution of funds.

Perhaps the most ambitious task that The Rotary Foundation has entertained is the eradication of poliomyelitis from the world.  Rotary’s leadership, beginning in 1985, inspired the World Health Assembly to pass a resolution to eradicate polio which paved the way for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988.  Rotary’s key partners in its efforts are the World Health Organizations, UNICEF and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation committed US$255 million to the project and asked Rotarians to match this figure over a three-year period.  The number of cases of polio in the world has deceased by 99% and it is estimated that five million people destined to be polio victims are today walking and enjoying a better life because of global immunization.

However, we cannot be complacent.  There are still approximately 1,500 reported cases annually.

Rotarians may contribute to the Annual Program Fund, The Permanent Fund or to Polio Plus through their club or directly on-line.

There are various recognition levels recognizing the generosity of Rotarians and each person may access their own giving history on-line by entering their own security information.  Examples of important recognition levels are:

• Paul Harris Fellow – Contribute US$1,000 on a cumulative basis.

• Benefactor – Committed US$1,000 to the Foundation from their estates.

• Sustaining Member – A Rotarian who contributes US$100 to the Foundation in a year.

The Rotary Foundation invites all Rotarians to make a donation through the Every Rotarian Every Year campaign.  No gift is too small (or too large) and the Rotary Club of Oak Bay has a history of being generous and supportive of The Rotary Foundation. For more on The Rotary Foundation (Canada) click here.

Best Regards,

A.G. Tav Macpherson
Foundation Chair, 2010-11