Every Rotarian Every Year ('EREY')

Bernie Walshe encouraged us all to pledge $100 per year and thereby support EREY.  Here’s a summary of what he said:

November is Rotary Foundation Month.

The motto of the Foundation is “Doing Good in the World” and its objects embrace the promotion of peace and harmony among nations by eradicating disease, overcoming hunger and poverty, promoting education and improving the health of people around the world because these are the fundamental causes of conflict.

That is why so many of the Foundation’s efforts are directed to overseas projects.

The Foundation funds:

Since 1985, in excess of US$900m has been committed to the eradication of Polio.

Since 1965, about 69,000 young professionals have participated in the Group Study Exchange program.

Since 1947, almost 40,000 Ambassadorial Scholars from 130 countries have travelled to study at selected Universities.

Since 2002, 480 Rotary Peace Scholars from 80 countries have studied at six universities around the world. Our District leads the Rotary world by providing more Peace Scholars than any other District.

Since 1985, 520 University Teachers have travelled abroad to impart their knowledge and further their education.

Since 1978, 3H (Health Hunger and Humanity) Grants totalled 347 at a cost of US$88m.

Since 1965, 33,000 Humanitarian Grants in 201 countries and 478 Districts totalled US$397m.

Where do the funds come from to support our Foundation?

More than 440 Rotarians in our District are now financial contributors to the EREY Centurion program. To become a Centurion, you contribute and pledge A$100 each year. These contributions are tax deductible and accumulate towards Paul Harris Fellow recognition.

In 2007, our District was the first in Australia to establish a Paul Harris Society whose Members contribute a minimum of US$1,000 per year to the Foundation. These are also tax deductible and accumulate towards PHF recognition.

You can become a Benefactor of the Foundation by including a legacy to the Foundation in your will.

You can become a major donor by personally contributing a sum of money. For example, a contribution of US$250,000 earns you a photograph on the wall of the reception area at RI headquarters in Evanston and recognition around the Rotary world.

Today, I am not looking for major donors.  Rather, I am seeking to enroll all Hawthorn members as Centurions by having each one contribute and pledge A$100 per year.

Simon O’Donoghue will have Centurion forms available next week for you to contribute - please consider.

If anyone is interested in joining the Paul Harris Society, please see me.

THIS IS OUR FOUNDATION – BE A PROUD ROTARIAN

and

PLEASE ASSIST TO DO GOOD IN THE WORLD