DG John November - December 2011

DG John’s Holiday Message

In a few days we will be entering December, which will mark the halfway point for our Rotary year. During the last two months, we have celebrated Thanksgiving on each side of our border. As I have said during many club visits, we have so much to be thankful for in our two countries. With plentiful water supplies, along with many natural resources, and stable political systems we are truly fortunate.

News organizations recently noted that there are now 7 billion people on our planet. 1.4 billion of these individuals live on $1.25 a day or less. 1.7 billion of us lack access to clean water. Every 5 seconds, a child dies from a hunger related disease. About 1 billion people, many of whom are children, go to bed hungry each day.  The statistics and numbers are mind numbing. Poverty also exists in many of our communities despite our resources. My local newspaper recently shared that some almost 15% of the residents in New York State live at or below the poverty line.

Rotarians working through their clubs and through the Rotary Foundation are trying to improve the lives of those who suffer from poverty. As many of you know, the Rotary Foundation has six areas of focus: peace and conflict prevention/resolution, water and sanitation, child and maternal health, disease prevention and treatment, basic education and literacy, and economic and community development. As Rotarians, we are dedicated to service and to improving the lives of others, both locally and internationally.

As we enter into the upcoming holidays, let us remember those in need. Use the time to help others, whether volunteering in a local shelter or contributing to The Rotary Foundation. The opportunities are many. During my visits, many clubs shared what they are doing locally and internationally to help those in need. We need to continue these efforts. Clubs also proudly shared with me what they are doing to contribute to The Rotary Foundation and to Polio Plus. The Foundation helps us multiply the power of each Rotarian and our contributions. By working together we can effect positive change. By working together we can bring true peace to the world. My club visits and what I have observed and learned during them have given me a positive outlook. November is Foundation month and December is Family month.  It is appropriate, therefore, that we remember others as we celebrate with our own families.