District Governor John Heise

DG John's February Message

We are three quarters of the way through the Rotary year. For me it has been a wonderful journey as your District Governor. I have met many dedicated Rotarians during my travels in our District. Clubs and their members have been very welcoming.

Much has already been accomplished in our District and in the Rotary World. We are so close to conquering polio, for example, that the end is finally in sight. We have responded to disasters in many places throughout the world. Thanks to the hard work by our District Rotarians, much has been done to improve the lives of many. More individuals have access to clean water, good schools, and economic opportunities because of your efforts this year.

Much remains to be done, however. We are close to conquering polio but we must not rest until the world is without this dreaded disease. There are still more wells to be drilled and children to be educated. Too many still live in poverty, locally and internationally. Too many still have little hope for providing the basics for themselves and their families.

The Rotary Foundation is one way to address problems around us and to make the world a smaller, more peaceful place. Many clubs have yet to send in their support for OUR FOUNDATION. Now is the time to contribute. Remember, half of what we donate to the Foundation in the time remaining in this Rotary year will be returned to our District for use in three years. As noted above, we must also continue to support the Polio Plus campaign and see it through to the end. The Gates Foundation, in recognition of our efforts, has given Rotary another $50 million. Together, we will conquer Polio.