District 3450 Rotary Foundation Committee 2023-2024

By PDG Belinda Yeung, JP, Rotary Club of Hong Kong Harbour

February is Peace and Conflict Prevention / Resolution Service Month

February is Peace and Conflict Prevention / Resolution Month. Rotary’s goal today is to create environments where peace can be built and maintained through sustainable and measurable activities in communities worldwide.

Conflict and violence displace millions of people each year. Half of those killed in conflict are children, and 90 percent are civilians.

Peacebuilding remains a cornerstone of our mission as a humanitarian service organization.

What does Rotary do to resolve conflict?

Practitioners: Rotary projects work fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, improving the health of mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies directly builds the optimal conditions for peaceful societies.
Educators: The Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,700 peace fellows to become effective catalysts for peace through careers in government, education, and international organizations.
Mediators: Rotarians have negotiated humanitarian ceasefires in areas of conflict to allow polio vaccinators to reach children who are at risk.
Advocates: Rotarians have an integral role as respected, impartial participants during peace processes and in post-conflict reconstruction. We focus on creating communities and convening groups that are connected, inclusive, and resilient.

Rotary Showcase

What Rotarians done to the world?

The Seven Centers of Peace

Situated in different parts of the world
Offer tailor-made curricula to train individuals devoted to peacebuilding and conflict resolution
The program has a vision of sustainable peace — encompassing a network of peacebuilders and community leaders dedicated to preventing and resolving conflicts around the globe.

Meet with Our Major Donor
AG Alex Lau – Rotary Club of Central (MD level 1)

Collected by PP Maki Wan – RC Kowloon Golden Mile

“I am a local born and raised in Hong Kong. Throughout my education, I got to meet a lot of people and charity/service organisations. Both my parents are in the medical field. I was encouraged by my family from a young age to participate more in charitable/ volunteer works. I work in corporate finance field – managing funds, investments and family businesses.”

How do you become a Rotarian and what is the most rewarding aspect of being a Rotarian?

I was an Interactor when I was in high school, heavily engaged in service projects back then. I was appointed to be the Interact Club Students’ Union Director because of the leadership demonstrated at my works. I joined RC Central in July 2014.

Being able to help people and bring joy to them are very rewarding. Seeing the smile of the service project beneficiaries and partners as well as my club members is very rewarding.

What impact do you hope your donation will have on society or future generations?

The service of an individual benefits limited number of people yet, working together with others in an organisation like Rotary creates synergy effects. Rotary is a Doing Good in the World and Service above Self organisation that I dearly love. I hope everyone will continue to spread peace and love to people around the world.

Meet with Our Major Donor
PP Anna Or – Rotary E-Club of Lantau (MD level 1)

“I have a background in mathematics, statistics and computer science, which has given me an advantage in the era of technology, big data and artificial intelligence. I found much joy and pride in linking up relevant data models and technology with business processes to untangle complex issues. Often, through research, debates and trials, new insights and innovations are found to bring advancements.”

Inspired by my family members who are dedicated Rotarians, I joint as a charter member of Rotary E-Club of Lantau when it was formed eight years ago. They always tell me stories of how they are inspired by meeting new people from different industries and backgrounds, and it only takes a simple gesture to reach out and extend love to the world.

Our Club is passionate about empowering youth and students to grow as individuals and as citizens, to serve the local and global communities. Rotary International also offers many opportunities to join impactful programs, one of them is End Polio which aims to eradicate this crippling disease from the planet.

I am proud to be part of the noble causes and to see the progress that has been made so far. I believe that when we unite, we can accomplish amazing things and create a larger impact. I hope my small contribution would inspire more to join the journey!

I believe that continuous learning and adaptation are essential for happiness, and I hope to use my passion for art and experience to join the dots and contribute to the society.

In my spare time, I practice Chinese painting, especially the meticulous style carried through from the Sung Dynasty.

I admire the beauty and elegance of this art form, it often helps me focus and calm my minds from the busy world. I also love to travel to appreciate different culture, cuisine and diversity of life.

Meet with Our Major Donor
PP Leo Yu – Rotary Club of Island East (MD level 1)

“Being a part of an organization where selfless members are dedicated to building a better world is something that fills me with immense pride. The collective effort and commitment demonstrated by these individuals in striving for positive change is truly inspiring. It is an honor to be associated with such a group of like-minded individuals who share a common goal of making the world a better place.”

Any message to potential major donors?

I became a member of Rotary because of its commitment to service, recognizing that as an individual, my capacity to make a significant impact is limited. Rotary has taught me that there are numerous approaches to service, and many Rotarians excel in executing meaningful projects.

This realization has inspired me to consider donating, as it allows for the expansion of impactful service initiatives in various parts of the world. By contributing, I can contribute to the realization of more meaningful projects and make a difference on a larger scale.

When you choose to become a major donner, what’s important to you?

When it comes to donating, my top priority is finding a trustworthy organization that I can have confidence in to utilize my contribution effectively.

Discovering Rotary made becoming a major donor an obvious choice for me.

Trustee Chair Message

Barry Rassin
Foundation Trustee Chair 2023 – 24

Make the Foundation yours

The new year ushers in promise and hope, a time to resolve to do things differently. We can take steps, whether big and small, to make changes in every aspect of our lives, including Rotary.

New Year’s resolution to consider:

Get to know your Foundation better this year.
In 2023, the Foundation achieved a maximum four-star rating from Charity Navigator for the 15^th consecutive year. This places the Foundation among the world’s top charities. 91 percent of the funds are allocated to program awards and operations.
Engage with the Foundation is to support it through a gift, every year.
Set an ambitious fundraising goal of US$500 million this year, and with your support, it can be achieved.
Your gift will make a difference, whether it’s in polio eradication, literacy initiatives, peace education, or any other area in which we excel.
Spread the word during your fundraisers and events. Let the public know that The Rotary Foundation plays a significant role in everything we do, including in our many partnerships. Anyone can support the Foundation, even people who are not in Rotary.
Take action. Your Foundation is waiting for you to roll up your sleeves and make use of its resources to make the world a better place.
Seek out global or district grant projects.
Consider partnering with a Rotaract club in 2024 to support a grant or collaborate on one.
Team up with Rotary and Rotaract clubs in your area to plan your biggest million dollar dinner fundraiser or End Polio Now event.
Commit to keeping our Foundation in your plans.

D3450 Rotary Figures (2023-2024)

Upcoming Events

District Rotary Foundation Seminar & Grant Management Seminar (DRF &GMS) – 4th May 2024 (Saturday) **

**Please note that the Foundation Seminar and Grant Management Seminar are combined into one seminar in this Rotary Year. And that the GMS is a must to attend event before a Rotary Club can be qualified to apply for District Grant and/or Global Grant in the following Rotary Year.