Rotary Brings Miracles – Let Us Unite for Good
my dear fellow Rotarians, dignitaries, respected guests, and friends in service,
It fills my heart with immense pride and gratitude to stand before you today to speak about something that is not just a part of Rotary—it is its soul. I’m referring to The Rotary Foundation—a silent yet powerful force that continues to shape lives, restore hope, and transform communities around the world.
The Rotary Foundation is not just an institution—it is a movement. A movement born out of a simple yet profound idea—to Do Good in the World. These words, first spoken in 1917 by Rotary’s 6th President, Arch Klumph, marked the beginning of a journey that continues to inspire millions even today.
It all started with a mere $26.50—a modest sum, almost inconsequential in today’s economy. But what it represented was priceless. It represented vision, courage, and compassion. And from that small seed grew a legacy that now raises over $450 million annually and has built a corpus of more than $2 billion in cash and commitments. If that isn’t a miracle, what is?
Yes, my friends, Rotary brings miracles—and the Foundation is the bridge between dreams and reality.
Let me take a moment to highlight one of the greatest success stories in global public health—the fight against polio. Since 1988, The Rotary Foundation has been at the forefront of this mission, having already spent over $2.6 billion and immunized more than 3 billion children across the globe.
Back in 1988, polio was a terrifying disease, affecting over 350,000 children annually, in 125 countries. Today, thanks to Rotary’s tireless efforts, that number is in single digits, and the disease remains endemic in just two countries—Pakistan and Afghanistan. We are truly on the brink of making history—of eradicating only the second disease in human history after smallpox. And by the time we’re done, our total contribution will have exceeded $3 billion.
But this isn’t just about money. It’s about lives. It’s about mothers who can now see their children grow without fear. It’s about communities who’ve regained hope. It’s about Rotary standing tall, quietly but powerfully, behind one of the world’s greatest humanitarian efforts.
And that’s just one example. The Rotary Foundation works tirelessly across its seven areas of focus:
Peacebuilding and conflict preventionDisease prevention and treatmentWater, sanitation, and hygieneMaternal and child healthBasic education and literacyCommunity economic developmentSupporting the environmentEach of these focus areas addresses the most urgent needs of humanity. Each one tells a story of change—of how we, as Rotarians, Unite for Good.
Our Foundation has gained the trust of the world. Partners like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has contributed over $1.2 billion towards polio eradication, and corporate giants like the Aditya Birla Group, which donated $19 million, have placed their faith in us. Why? Because we deliver. Because our stewardship is of the highest order. Because we don’t just fund change—we drive it.
For the past 16 consecutive years, The Rotary Foundation has received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator—a remarkable achievement that very few global nonprofits can boast. Our Foundation is run by 15 trustees, chosen not just for their leadership, but for their unwavering commitment to Rotary values.
And yet, despite all this, the demand still far exceeds what we can provide. Every year, districts around the world submit requests for funding—requests for education programs, healthcare missions, vocational training, disaster relief, and so much more. And many of those requests go unmet—not because we lack the will, but because we lack the funds.
This is where we come in.
Each of us, each club, has the power to become a champion for The Rotary Foundation. Let us reach out to corporates, let us tap into CSR opportunities, let us make a compelling case for partnership. When a company supports The Rotary Foundation, they’re not just donating—they’re becoming part of something meaningful, impactful, and lasting.
We are not fundraisers—we are change-makers. And the Foundation is our vehicle for that change.
Let me remind you again: Rotary brings miracles. But miracles don’t happen on their own. They happen when people like you and me decide to act. They happen when we Unite for Good—with compassion, with integrity, and with the belief that a better world is not only possible, but within reach.
So today, I urge you to not just support The Rotary Foundation—but to champion it. Speak about it. Raise awareness. Inspire others. Be the spark that ignites hope across continents.
Together, let us keep this flame burning bright. Let us continue doing good in the world. And let us show the world what Rotary can do—because when we unite, we don’t just serve… we create miracles.
Thank you.
And God bless Rotary.
26 April 2025