March is Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Month: Clean water, sanitation and hygiene education are basic necessities for a healthy environment and a productive life. It is said that over 663 million people around the world do not have access to clean water and sanitation. Over 10,000 people die every day due to the lack of clean water and basic sanitation.

 

When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families.

 

Through water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change.

 

Below are ways that Rotary Clubs around the world are helping to combat these serious issues.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene projects like these are happening in communities all around the world and are being carried out by Rotarians like you and me. We take water for granted because we are so used to being able to go to the faucet and turn it on and have clean, clear drinking water. We are so fortunate, but there are so many less fortunate in the world. Is it time for you and your club to make a difference in the lives of those so less fortunate? Consider joining with another Rotary Club to make that difference in somebody else’s life through a WASH project.

 

FOUNDATION GIVING: The only way that we as a district can support the requests we receive for District and Global Grants is by the donations that you and I and our clubs make to the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation, no way else.

 

One half of the money we donate to the Annual Fund comes back to our district three years after it is donated. This means that the money we donate this year comes back to us in the Rotary years 2022/2023.

 

The other half of the money we donate stays with The Rotary Foundation and goes to support our Global Grants and other projects that the foundation focuses on, like clean water and sanitation.

 

There are many ways to donate. Your donation can be a once a year contribution, you can do monthly donations and have it taken out of your checking account or a reccurring charge to your debit or credit card.

 

My goal this year as your District Governor was for each member to donate $2 per week to the foundation. $100 for the year. If you haven’t done so yet, please consider doing so within the next couple of months. Our Rotary year ends June 30 and all donations must be received by the Rotary Foundation by that date to count for this year.

 

To donate: go to: Myrotary.org, click on The Rotary Foundation, click on GIVE

 

DISTRICT CONFERENCE: Just a few updates for our District Conference scheduled for May 1 – 3 at the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis, MA.

 

As of this week Rotary District 7890 has joined forces with us. What does this mean? More Rotarians sharing ideas, friendship, fellowship and having a great time together.

 

We have: 

Our Rotary International President’s Representative is Sam Movva from Vjayawada, India, who will add an International flair to our conference.

 

In addition, Saturday night will be a 1920’s theme night to add a little fun to the evening. Check your attic or back closet for something great to wear.

 

It’s a weekend that you don’t want to miss as we “Connect on the Cape”.

 

Registration is open and you can register by going to the District 7950 website. Early bird registration has been extended until March 31^st so take advantage of this. There is also an ala-carte menu for those of you that can’t make the whole conference.

 

Rooms are $125 plus taxes per night. Make your reservation directly with the resort by calling 855-861-4370 and mentioning Rotary District 7950.

 

District Officer Installation – Mark your calendar for June 26 for the District Officers Installation as we help install incoming Governor Charlene Jarest and her slate of officers for the Rotary year 2020-2021. More information to follow.

 

District Awards- Award nomination paperwork has been emailed o all club presidents. The deadline for submission for all awards is April 15^th.

 

Please make sure that these are submitted on time so we can recognize clubs and individual Rotarians for their significant achievements and milestones.