We had an extremely informative presentation from our very own Murray McKay, who spoke to members about the history, goals and aims of The Rotary Foundation and the Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS).  
RAWCS is a non-profit organisation that delivers Rotary's humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and community development projects both locally and globally.
Murray explained RAWCS core objectives:  
•    Project Support: Offers governance, compliance, and fundraising infrastructure for Australian Rotary club projects.
•    Disaster Relief: Mobilises funding, resources, and specialist volunteer teams to respond to natural hazards and emergencies.
•    RARE: The Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE) initiative collects surplus medical and educational goods to ship to developing countries.
•    Rotarians Against Malaria: Works toward eliminating malaria.

Rotary Foundation was established in 1917 by Arch C. Klumph, the sixth president of Rotary International, with an initial contribution of $26.50. The foundation enjoyed the following achievements:  
•    1917 Proposal: Outgoing president Arch C. Klumph proposed an endowment fund "to do good in the world" at the Atlanta convention.
•    1928 Naming: The fund was formally named The Rotary Foundation and made a distinct entity.
•    1930 First Grant: The organisation issued its first grant of $500 to help children with disabilities.

Murray then spoke of how Rotary functions:
The Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary International, using voluntary financial gifts to fund local and global service projects. It operates through specific funding funds and managed grants, with core responsibilities cantered on global health, community development, and world peace.  
•    Rotary Foundation has a funding model based on an Annual Fund for local and global projects, Endowment Fund for long-term support, and the PolioPlus Fund.  

•    The Foundation gives out District Grants for short-term local or international projects and Global Grants for large, sustainable-impact missions.

•    A Board of Trustees manages the charity side, while local clubs do the on-the-ground work.

Rotary Foundation’s main responsibilities are:

•    Eradicating Polio: Running the PolioPlus program to vaccinate children worldwide, backed by matching funds from partners like the Gates Foundation. 

•    Seven Areas of Focus: Funding projects that promote peace, fight diseases, provide clean water, support mothers and children and education, grow local economies, and protect the environment.

•    Educational and Peace Programs: Managing Rotary Peace Centres and scholarship programs to train future peace builders and community leaders.  

Thanks to Murray, members gained knowledge of Rotary’s rich history and a clearer understanding of The Rotary Foundation and the Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS).

At last we have some progress for our local Rotary .. Applecross, Melville, Attadale and, hopefully Cockburn, to progress our partnership to bring Rotary community activities into the businesses of the Melville Cockburn Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber has finally appointed a new CEO in Melissa Haslam and she is keen to meet with our group, along with the MCCC President and develop the relationship with Rotary in terms of working together to help local business build its community social licence.

David Porter (Melville) and Llew Withers (Attadale) and I met last Friday to review our position and make sure that our meeting with the MCCC on Wed, 19th Aug would put in place the framework for a successful long term relationship.

Of course, for Rotary, it is about building our exposure in the local business sector, seeking active support for the community work we undertake and, ultimately, creating an interest in new membership and especially community leadership.

We are really positive about this move, which will consolidate the already strong relationship with the MCCC, but give it a sense of purpose which will be a win win for both parties.

Keep an ear tuned as there will be a major MCCC Expo in October which should create a great opportunity to give the partnership a strong  boost!

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