In her November 2021 Newsletter, Rotary International Vice-President and Director and Valarie Wafer talks about October 24th as we celebrated World Polio Day and how incredible it was to see the awareness, advocacy and fundraising across our districts and in our communities. Flag raising ceremonies, social media from our members and partners, and our new strategic initiative plan launched by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative is titled, “Delivering on a Promise” . She asked us all to join her online November 2-4 for our Zone Summit, where Together we Can Connect, Inspire and Celebrate. She also showed us planting trees with Rotaractors in the Niagara Region thanks to a D7090 District Grant .........
Dear Rotarains, Rotaractors and the whole Rotary family in District 7070,
On October 24th we celebrated World Polio Day. It was incredible to see the awareness, advocacy and fundraising across our districts and in our communities. Flag raising ceremonies, social media from our members and partners and an incredible World Polio Day Program by Rotary International I had the opportunity for my first in-person event with the Rotary Club of Brampton in D7080.
This year more than ever we are optimistic. The wild polio virus transmission is at its lowest levels in history, with only two reported cases in two countries. The new strategic initiative plan launched by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative is titled, “Delivering on a Promise” and this is what we intend to do.
November will be another busy month. Please join us online November 2-4 for our Zone Summit, where Together we Can; Connect, Inspire and Celebrate. The RI Board of Directors will hold our board meeting in Evanston on November 15-17, this marks the first in person/hybrid meeting since January 2020 and for many of us the chance to meet each other for the first time outside of Zoom squares.
We celebrate Foundation Month in November. Recently, I had the chance to plant trees with Rotaractors from D7090. This was a project initiated by Rotaractors and in partnership with the Niagara Parks Authority. It was funded by reserve funds in D7090 to provide the connection, education and participation of Rotaractors with our Foundation. The submitted project proposal was in grant format and reviewed and approved by the District Foundation committee. It was a huge success and I enjoyed the conversation with this engaged group of leaders. On July 1, 2022 Rotaractors will be able to participate in global grants, as we are planning our training events for the next Rotary year please ensure Rotaractors are included and prepared.
In conversation with many of you, I know that you are anxious to visit your long-standing projects supported by our Foundation. These projects locally, regionally and globally are our chance to elevate and enhance Rotary’s stature and recognition. Tell your stories, share your success and inspire giving to our Foundation. Many of us joined Rotary for one reason and stayed for another. That reason is our Foundation. There are so many ways to give - Annual Fund, Endowment Fund, Polio Plus. I personally support the Annual Fund as a Paul Harris Society Member. As we Serve to Change Lives, let’s give and encourage others so that we can continue to do good in the world.
I want to wish all of our American friends a Happy Thanksgivng. Be well, be safe and be thankful!
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