Posted by Valrie Wafer, Vice-President & Director , Rotary International

In her March 2022 Newsletter, Rotary International Vice-President and Director and Valarie Wafer talk about just some of her activities in February: a hybrid Rotary International Board meeting, a hybrid Rotary Foundation 2023 Gala fundraiser and concluded with an hybrid multi-district PETS (Presidents Elect Training Session) and the conflict in the Ukraine. She adds that March also marks the end of the second year of the pandemic. She adds, "We have lost many Rotarians during this pandemic and suffered immeasurable losses. This is a time in history we will never forget, yet the future of our clubs, our districts and the brand we love is stronger as a result of weathering the storm as a family."  Please Read more.......

Dear Rotarains, Rotaractors and the whole Rotary family in District 7070,

As February comes to a close so does a busy month.  A month that included a hybrid RI Board meeting, a hybrid gala fundraiser for our foundation and concluded with an hybrid multi-district PETS.  I had the opportunity to be in person at each of these events and I cannot tell you how it feels to be with people.  With the proper precautions it is beginning to feel somewhat “normal”.

I want to thank all of you who attended and gave so generously to our Gala for the Rotary Foundation on Rotary's 117th birthday!  More than 650 were in attendance, some virtually and some at house parties which RIDE Drew and RIPE Jennifer dropped in on.  At this time we estimate approximately $250,000 USD was raised!  With the Gates Foundation match for Polio funding that is over $300,000 USD.  As the RI Board meeting was occurring in Evanston we did our part from RI Headquarters so it was truly a hybrid event.

President elect training is underway as we approach March and the end of winter. Although Spring is a most welcome relief for those of us in traditional snow belts we do look forward to the change in seasons this year  but it is with a heavy hearts we learn of the beginning of Russia's attack on the people of Ukraine. 

It is important that we recognize that this fight is not between the every day people of these two countries, all citizens including the people of Russia must be kept in our thoughts as these horrible situations play out. 

To see the statement on the situation in Ukraine by Rotary International please look below my letter.

I write this as I visit Mid Atlantic PET’s where once again I am blown away with the enthusiasm, camaraderie and the innovative  resourcefulness of our President Elects. Clearly the selection committees in each club have done a great job of choosing their next club presidents. As well it is wonderful to see a diverse group of new club Presidents, proof that clubs and districts are embracing equity and inclusion strategies. 

Each year as I visit PET’s across our zones I am more and lore impressed with the caliber of the next generation of leadership. 

March also marks the end of the second year of the pandemic. It was March 14th 2020 when Mark and I had to leave Rochester New York to ensure we could cross the border back into Canada on time. We have lost many Rotarians during this pandemic and suffered immeasurable losses. This is a time in history we will never forget yet the future of our clubs, our districts and the brand we love is stronger as a result of weathering the storm as a family. 

I hope to see each of you soon as we continue to Serve to Change Lives!

Yours In Rotary,

Valarie

Valarie Wafer

Rotary International Vice President (2021-2022)

Rotary International Director (2020-22)

Rotary Club of Collingwood, South Georgian Bay

valarie.wafer@gmail.com

 

 

 

Rotary International statement on Ukraine conflict

It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world.

At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world.

As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue.

In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence. Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support and peace to the region.

Rotary International