Rotary Club Remarks at the YMCA's Peace Medallion Ceremony
Bill Hagborg, President, The Rotary Club of North Bay, made the following remarks about Rotary's involvement in world peace and congratulated 2 fellow Rotarians who were presented with Peace Medallions by the local YMCA on November 23rd, as part of the Y's Peace Week 2012.
The Rotary Club of North Bay is pleased to be participating in the YMCA’ s Peace Week this year and today’s Peace Medallion Ceremony. We congratulate the worthy and distinguished recipients.
The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace is one of the cornerstones of the Rotary movement and “Peace through Service” is the theme chosen by Rotary International President Tanaka for our 2012-2013 Rotary Year. During the year Rotary International will be holding 3 Rotary Global Peace Forums – in Berlin, Honolulu and Hiroshima.
Peace and conflict prevention/resolution efforts, one of our six areas of focus, are supported through The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. This Foundation is truly unique for several reasons. It addresses all of the greatest educational and humanitarian needs; its world reach is greater than the United Nations; we can go where politicians and religious groups cannot; and 100% of funds raised go to the programs.
To quote Bill Gates, Sr., “Back when Rotary became involved with polio, most people thought volunteer organizations were about tackling projects down the street or across town – not across the world. Rotary changed all that, and in the process, you reminded us that there is no human problem so daunting that it can’t be overcome by people.”
I would like to thank Kim Kanmacher and Yvonne Taylor for allowing us to showcase our Shelterbox all week, which has provided a great opportunity to share information about the program and to generate interest and support. Our Club is serving as District Ambassadors for the program, led by Rotarians Don Wheeler and Tom Cook.
Shelterbox is a disaster relief charity that provides shelter, warmth and dignity to people affected by earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, hurricanes, cyclones, tsunamis or conflict. In the case of Japan's earthquake and tsunami in 2011, the Shelterbox Emergency Response Team was on the ground less than 24 hours after the disaster struck. Other countries where the units have been shipped Indonesia, St. Lucia, Philippines, Mexico, Pakistan and Haiti. Boxes can be tracked by their own unique reference number, so donors can find out where and when their box has been sent. Donations of C$1,000 sponsors a box, including the cost of delivery, to those in need. Donations of smaller amounts are welcome, as in many cases several donors share in the purchase of a box.
Interested donors can contact Don Wheeler, Shelterbox Canada Ambassador at dwheeler@shelterboxvolunteer.org or 705-472-1075.