Murrumbidgee

About The Rotary Foundation

The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty. The Rotary Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation that is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.

The Foundation was created in 1917 by Rotary International’s sixth president, Arch C. Klumph, as an endowment fund for Rotary “to do good in the world.” It has grown from an initial contribution of US$26.50 to more than US$117.9 million contributed in 2004-05. Its event-filled history is a story of Rotarians learning the value of service to humanity.

The Foundation’s Humanitarian Programs fund international Rotary club and district projects to improve the quality of life, providing health care, clean water, food, education, and other essential needs primarily in the developing world. One of the major Humanitarian Programs is PolioPlus, which seeks to eradicate the poliovirus worldwide. Through its Educational Programs, the Foundation provides funding for some 1,200 students to study abroad each year. Grants are also awarded to university teachers to teach in developing countries and for exchanges of business and professional people. Former participants in the Foundation’s programs have the opportunity to continue their affiliation with Rotary as Foundation Alumni.

The Centurion Club

The Centurion Club is a convenient and personal way of supporting The Rotary Foundation for Australians, by way of donating A$100 per year (or more if you so wish), for as long as you are in a position to do so. This is an opportunity for Rotarians and others to support the humanitarian work of the Rotary Foundation in alleviating abject poverty, educating the illiterate and relieving the scourge of disease.

Your personal donation will help communities and individuals in desperate need of our support. For example; A$100 will give sight to 2 people in India, partially furnish a classroom in Africa, or provide mosquito nets for a Pacific Islands village.

Your annual donation (from only $1.92 per week and tax deductible) is paid to the Australian Rotary Foundation Trust and is used to finance the work of the Rotary Foundation. Fifty percent of the money you donate comes back to District 9700 after 3 years. Your contribution earns you Paul Harris recognition credits which you can accumulate for yourself, or use to recognise someone else, or they can be signed over to add to the club’s total for the club to recognise a worthy recipient. The total number of points required for a Paul Harris recognition is the equivalent of US$1000.

Membership is renewable during November (Foundation Month) each year. Annual reminders are sent out in October and whilst we very much appreciate renewals, there is no high pressure to carry on. Maybe financial circumstances have changed. Joining is easy. Commitment forms are available from the Centurion Club Co-coordinator Ron Walter or down loaded. Anyone is eligible to join. It is not just for individuals – Donations can be made on behalf of Businesses and other bodies.

The Centurion Club is not only for Rotarians. Anyone who expresses an interest and is willing to donate the funds is eligible to join. And remember, it is tax deductible. Club members receive a Badge and a Certificate of Membership. A tax receipt is sent to each subscriber by the Rotary International South Pacific and Philippines Office.

The Centurion Club coordinator for the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga Murrumbidgee is Ron Walter who can be contacted on (02) 69262801 or at mgwalter@tpg.com.au. Ron is available to provide you with information about the Centurion Club and explain the importance and value of becoming a Centurion Member.

For more information about the Rotary Foundation, go to: www.rotary.org/foundation

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