23rd February each year marks ‘Rotary Day’, which in 2021 is 116 years since the formation of Rotary International by Chicago-based lawyer, Paul Harris.
With 1.2 million members in over 35,000 clubs in over 200 countries, Rotary is not only one of the oldest, but also one of the world’s largest and most successful membership and humanitarian service organisations.
Rotary, which started out as a professional networking organisation, quickly turned their vision to humanitarian service, with members and clubs having a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
That vision endures today, with the organisation committed to tackling some of the world’s biggest issues including protecting the environment, providing clean water and fighting disease.
The latter of those has been thrown sharply into focus over the last year with the COVID-19 pandemic gripping the globe. In the UK and Ireland, Rotary clubs have launched thousands of vital projects to support those in need, whether it be by stocking foodbanks, volunteering at vaccination centres, ensuring children have the required equipment for lockdown learning, and much more.
Perhaps most notably, Rotary International spearheaded the ongoing campaign to eradicate polio worldwide. Since their End Polio Now campaign was launched more than 30 years ago, they have helped reduce cases of the paralysing disease by 99.9%, vaccinating almost 3 billion children and preventing 19 million cases of paralysis.
We’re all so proud to be part of such a wide-reaching and life-changing organisation. As with every Rotary club, we aim to have an impact in our local community and make a difference to those in our area in need of support.
Rotary Day is always a special day in the calendar, as it allows us to showcase how our organisation is rooted in the local community, but with a global impact.
We give our time and talents to help others, all while having fun and making social connections in the process. We’re always keen to welcome new members to our group.
To get involved in Rotary and make a difference in your community, visit www.rotarygbi.org/join or www.hendon-rotary.org.uk/membership