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Rotary and Water The profile of water and sanitation in Rotary International received a tremendous boost on October 25 – the day the United Nations Association of New York honoured Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation with its 2007 Humanitarian Award. The recognition came as a result of Rotary’s significant efforts to provide safe water and sanitation and its commitment to sustainable development worldwide. The award is presented annually in observance of United Nations Day on October 24. This year’s award ceremony focussed on the global water crisis and Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and special adviser to the UN Secretary-General, served as Honorary Chairman of the event. Commenting on yet another special recognition for Rotary’s humanitarian programs, RI President Wilf Wilkinson said, “In the years since RI started focusing on water as one of its annual service emphases, we’ve learnt just how much can be accomplished with relatively little – how a single, small water project, perhaps a pump or filter, can change the life of a community.”
Water Resource Group leader in Australia On the subject of Rotary International’s ongoing water campaign, it is pleasing to note that PDG Ron Denham of Toronto, Canada will visit Australia for several weeks from late March, 2008. Ron is General Coordinator of the RI Water Resource Group and has been invited to represent RI President Wilf Wilkinson at Governor Jennifer Scott’s District 9690 Conference in Mudgee, NSW, in early April. He will make himself available at every other opportunity to promote Rotary’s water projects from March 29 to April 21. RI Water Resource Group South Pacific Area Coordinator PDG Terry Barritt, of the Rotary Club of Armadale, WA, is the contact person for Ron Denham in Australia. Clubs and Districts interested in utilising him for special meetings and conferences during his time in Australia should contact PDG Terry on barritt@mpx.com.au |