In spite of some wonderfully generous contributors, personal giving to The Rotary Foundation has never been a constant part of an Australian Rotarian’s thinking, even though there are very few who fail the recognise the value the Foundation brings both to Rotary, and a world in need. Clubs across the entire nation are exceptionally supportive of The Foundation, contributing countless dollars to grow our involvement in a wide range of educational and humanitarian programs designed to hasten our quest for world peace. It’s a money-driven process: it depends on cash and a physical commitment, and it needs to happen at a much faster pace if we are to truly deliver Peace Through Service.
The Centurion program allows Rotarians in Australia to start the process of personal giving without having to mortgage the family estate. It’s simply a commitment to contribute a minimum of $100 Australian or U.S. dollars a year, for as long as you choose to. Your contribution then becomes part of your district’s Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund meaning half of it comes back to the district to support Foundation programs that involve your clubs. Your contribution is fully tax-deductible. It is not a program restricted to Rotarians so work colleagues, friends and family members can all participate.
Whichever way you look at it, Centurions are making a huge difference in the world. Every $100 can provide one year’s tuition for a high school student in Africa, or 10 beds for an orphanage in India, or two school desks for kids in Sri Lanka, or maybe a flock of chickens to produce nourishing eggs and valuable offspring for a village in Timor Leste. Looking at it another way, the $100 can purchase 140 polio vaccines and that will protect 140 children from the threat of this dreaded disease. Whichever way you look at it, it’s a great way to spend $100 and help make our world a better place.
Personal support of The Rotary Foundation is important, and will be greatly appreciated.
Yours in Rotary Service
Clive Walker PDG
DG 2006 – 07
District Foundation Chair