Here is the January 2018 newsletter from Past Rotary International President Wilf Wilkinson, who has put together some more resource information to help you and your Rotary Club to revisit your commitment to this worthwhile humanitarian cause and help you raise funds. Here is Wilf's January 2018 Newsletter .....
January 1, 2018
Fellow District 7070 Rotarians,
I hope that you will recall that back in October and November, with the permission of your District Governor, I wrote to most of the Clubs in Canada about a project to help eliminate landmines in the country of Cambodia. It was chosen for several reasons:
It is the 150th Anniversary of our great country.
It was 20 years ago that Canada, under the leadership of the Hon. Lloyd Axworthy, convinced 168 countries to sign an agreement to ban landmines.
In October last year, the Invictus Games were held in Toronto, the first time in Canada, and we met service members wounded by these cruel weapons.
Cambodia was chosen because it is a country in need and is an objective that we believe Canadian Rotarians, with the help of their friends, can achieve.
Please see the attached pictures of children in Cambodia, who are particularly at risk, and the men and women dedicated to removing those landmines.
If your Club has already sent a cheque, I thank you. However, we still a have a gap to reach our goal, so I would request that Clubs, who have yet to participate, consider a fund raising effort in your community or a club donation.
Sincere Thanks,
Wilf Wilkinson, CM, FCPA
From Wilf Wilkinson
President of Rotary International 2007/08
Chair of The Rotary Foundation 2012/13
Director, Canadian Landmine Foundation
A Rotary Project Celebrating Canada's 150th Anniversary
Fellow District 7070 Rotarians,
The Invictus Games are over, but the Canadian Landmine Foundation’s fight to remove all the landmines in Cambodia continues. Recently a letter from me went to most of the clubs across Canada asking for their financial support for this important humanitarian project. I have received requests from several clubs asking for information or assistance in support of their fundraising projects. As a result, I would like to provide you with some additional information which hopefully will be of assistance when raising the necessary funds.
A copy of a recent speech on the subject by Senator Art Eggleton.
Some short videos on mine action and the Ottawa Treaty.
A description of how to organize a popular fundraiser called 'Night of a Thousand Dinners'.
A short history of the involvement by Canadian Rotary clubs in the removal of landmines.
All of the above materials are available at www.canadianlandmine.org/rotary.
Rotarians and Rotary Clubs have been two the largest financial contributors to the Canadian Landmine Foundation. 122 Clubs in 18 Districts coast to coast have contributed more than $260,000 to Canadian Landmine Foundation programmes over the years. These funds went to projects that cleared mines and assisted survivors in places like Bosnia, Mozambique, Afghanistan and Cambodia.
Today the Canadian Landmine Foundation works to raise awareness at home and support mine action in Cambodia through partnerships with local organizations. Cambodian Self Help Demining (CSHD) operates demining and explosive ordnance disposal teams in rural Cambodia. When villagers find mines and other explosive remnants of war, one of five Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams are dispatched to neutralize the explosives and conduct mine risk education. The Canadian Landmine Foundation is proud to sponsor one of those EOD Teams.
To date, CSHD teams have cleared 3 million square metres of land. It was founded in 2008 by an ex-child soldier named Aki Ra who has personally cleared more than 50,000 landmines, with support from former Rotarian Bill Morse (Palm Springs).
Thank you for your support of this Canadian inspired project. I believe it typifies the work of Canadian Rotarians during the 150 anniversary of our country.
Sincerely,
Wilf Wilkinson, CM, FCPA
And here is Wilf's first letter to you and all Rotarians:
My Fellow Rotarians in District 7070,
When was the last time you stepped on a landmine? Probably never – aren’t we fortunate. If you live in Cambodia, Iraq or Syria, to name a few, you may not have been so lucky.
This far away reality of the effects of landmines and IED’s will come much closer to home in late September when Toronto hosts the 3rd Invictus Games. For many involved, they have had the benefit of resources and support from their countries. Yet, residents of most countries still affected by landmines have little to offer in support of their crippled compatriots. This is where we as caring and compassionate Rotarians come in to fill this void.
Rotarians in District 7070 have committed time and money to eliminate many ills that plague our world, including longstanding support of landmine eradication. We at the Canadian Landmine Foundation (CLMF) are asking Rotarians in District 7070 to renew their commitment to eliminating these hideous devices.
As with our efforts with polio, we continue to make progress on the landmines front – but not without setbacks. Landmine use is on the rise and funding has steadily declined over the past number of years. Canada was once the 3rd largest funder of landmine eradication but is now 10th. Overall funding for landmine relief is at its lowest point is 10 years.
Yet many are still suffering.
As many as 18 people, mostly each day to the catastrophic effects of landmines. Lives and communities are forever changed as a result. children and women, are losing their lives or limbs
It is now time for Rotarians to revisit their commitment to this worthwhile humanitarian cause. In keeping with this year’s Rotary theme – it is time once again for Rotarians “To Make a Difference”.
With a new Rotary year upon us we are asking clubs and districts to strongly consider supporting CLMF, an organization which has substantial and active Rotary representation.
Going forward CLMF’s efforts will concentrate its efforts on demining in Cambodia to make the most effective use of our funds. In Cambodia we have both state and local support for our initiatives, making contributions more meaningful, visible and lasting.
How can you help?
Consider a donation to CLMF as part of your International service budget.
Did you know that for as little as US$200 you are able to fund landmine clearing for a day – that’s another 100 square meters that are now safe to work, farm and play!!
Combine fellowship and “fun”raising by holding a “Night of a Thousand Dinners” Invite friends, neighbours, Rotaractors, Interactors as well as your club members. Use this gathering to not only raise money for a worthwhile cause, but also to build awareness and educate those in your community about the devastating effects of landmines.
Donations may be made as follows:
Online at WWW.CANADIANLANDMINE.org
Canadian Landmine Foundation
C/O LCMSDS Wilfrid Laurier University
75 University Avenue West
Waterloo, Ontario
N2L 3C5
NOTE: Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or greater.
On behalf of the CLMF Rotary Subcommittee we thank you for taking the time to consider supporting our efforts.
Yours In Rotary,
Wilf Wilkinson Chris Snyder Gordon Dowsley Bob Butterill