A Message from the President Rosemary Knechtel
On July 24,2015 we celebrated one year with no new polio cases in Nigeria. Soon the World health Organization may be able to declare Africa polio free! This leaves two countries where polio is still endemic: Pakistan and Afghanistan. 30 years ago Rotary declared a shared goal of a polio free world. This goal is in sight.
At the Board of Directors Meeting on August 10, 2015, the board approved our club support for District Governor Kevin Crosby’s request to join together to help Rotary finish the job by each club donating $1500.00 (US) Our club will be launching an End Polio Now Targeted Campaign very soon. The exciting news is that our donation will be matched 2:1 by the Canadian Government which we understands flows through UNICEF. Likewise donations are also matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. For example, these additional matches would drive a $1500.00
(US) donation from our club to a $7500.00 (US) donation to the campaign. This is such a wonderful opportunity for our club to be part of this global initiative. Please stay tuned for more news.
The summer has almost come to an end and we are gearing up for our Fall activities. I would like to thank you all for the support you have provided the board and myself over the past couple of months. We’ve received very positive feedback on the weekly meetings and the new ideas. Last evening we had a good turnout at our summer BBQ at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club. Thanks to Pearl, Lisa and Heather and to everyone who came out. Great company, fabulous setting and wonderful food…what more could we ask! I’ll give an update on our 2015-16 Goals and achievements to date at the September 3rd club meeting. Hope to see you all there.
I hear we still have lots of warm weather ahead. ..enjoy!
Rotary Club of Hamilton President
Rosemary Knechtel (2015-2016)