News Release

For immediate release

Contacts: Chanele Williams, (847)866-3466, chanele.williams@rotary.org 

Michael Nilsen (425) 241-4675, mnilsen@afpnet.org.

(Arlington, VA) The Rotary Foundation, the charitable arm of Rotary – a global network of volunteers committed to improving lives and communities around the world, has been named the 2016 Outstanding Foundation by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

From its first contribution of $26.50 almost a century ago, The Rotary Foundation's assets have grown to approximately $1 billion, and more than $3 billion have been spent on projects that promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, and grow local economies.

The Rotary Foundation's top priority is the global eradication of polio. Rotary launched its PolioPlus program in 1985, and in 1988 became a leading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Since then, Rotary has contributed more than $1.6 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect more than two billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. The Foundation's advocacy efforts also have resulted in another $9 billion from world governments and foundations, increasing its impact. Today, polio is on the verge of becoming only the second human disease ever to be eliminated after smallpox, with a 99.9 percent decrease in cases since the initiative began.

To mark the Foundation's centennial year, Rotary members aim to raise $300 million by July 2017. "We are honored to receive this recognition from the AFP, which give us even more reason to celebrate during our Foundation's centennial year," said Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Kalyan Banerjee. "The continued strong support of Rotary members will help us keep our promise of a polio-free world for all children, and enable the Foundation to carry out its mission of advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace. We look forward to another 100 years of Rotary members taking action to make communities better around the world."

Rotary clubs have long embraced the call for peace at the grassroots level by addressing the underlying causes of conflict and violence, such as hunger, poverty, disease and illiteracy. In 2002, the Rotary Foundation took a direct approach by providing future leaders the tools to become catalysts for peace in their communities. Each year, up to 100 Rotary Peace Fellows are chosen to participate in a master's degree or certificate program at one of Rotary's Peace Centers in partnership with universities around the world. Today, more than 1,000 peace fellow alumni serve as leaders in national governments, nongovernmental organizations, the military, law enforcement, and international institutions such as the United Nations and World Bank.

"While almost everyone is familiar with Rotary, not everyone may realize just how much an impact Rotary and the Rotary Foundation have had on countless people and communities across the globe," said AFP President and CEO Jason Lee. "On behalf of the entire charitable sector and people around the world, all of us at AFP are honored to be able to recognize The Rotary Foundation as our 2016 Outstanding Foundation."

The Rotary Foundation will receive its award at AFP's 2017 International Fundraising Conference in San Francisco, April 30 – May 2, 2017.

More information about The Rotary Foundation, along with the National Philanthropy Day Honors, can be obtained by contacting Michael Nilsen at (425) 241 – 4675 or mnilsen@afpnet.org.

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Since 1960, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has advanced effective and ethical philanthropy for the world's largest network of professional fundraisers. AFP's more than 30,000 members raise more than $100 billion annually. For more information, go to www.afpnet.org.

About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. To access broadcast quality video footage and still photos go to: The Newsmarket

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COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE

Pour diffusion immédiate

Contact presse : Audrey CARL – +1 847-866-3424 – audrey.carl@rotary.org

Evanston, Illinois, USA, le 18 octobre 2016 –– Le Rotary, un réseau mondial de bénévoles qui passent à l'action pour améliorer les conditions de vie dans le monde, récompensera six individus et deux entreprises qui apportent un changement durable dans la collectivité.

Au travers de pratiques managériales inclusives, chacun d'entre eux contribue à l'emploi, au mentorat, à la formation, à l'innovation et à la collaboration dans le cadre de leur travail humanitaire. « Ces dirigeants d'entreprise se tiennent au carrefour du commerce et des causes humanitaires, affirme le président du Rotary International John Germ. Grâce à leur dévouement envers le développement économique, des milliers de personnes ont aujourd'hui un emploi stable, des compétences recherchées ou l'éducation nécessaire pour mener une meilleure existence. Je tiens à les féliciter chaleureusement pour s'être brillamment mis au service de l'humanité. »

Les lauréats recevront leur prix le 12 novembre à l'occasion de la Journée du Rotary aux Nations unies, une manifestation annuelle mettant à l'honneur les activités humanitaires que le Rotary et les Nations unies conduisent à travers le monde.

• Coca Cola Pakistan : Cette société accomplit un travail de sensibilisation du public aux vaccinations contre la poliomyélite au Pakistan – l'un des rares pays où cette maladie invalidante n'a jamais été stoppée – et contribue à des actions d'approvisionnement en eau et d'infrastructures sanitaires.
• Mercantil Banco Universal : Cette banque finance une action qui a formé 6 000 étudiants dans 40 universités à la responsabilité sociale et au leadership dans l'espoir qu'ils mettent leurs nouvelles compétences au service des communautés les plus défavorisées du Venezuela.
• Juan Silva Beauperthuy du Rotary club de Chacao (Venezuela) : Ce Rotarien remet des jeunes sur le droit chemin grâce à Queremos Graduarnos, un programme éducatif centré sur le mentorat et l'apprentissage et financé par son cabinet d'ingénieurs-conseils. Plus de 700 élèves de 18 écoles ont déjà bénéficié de cette action.
• Jean-Paul Faure du Rotary club de Cagnes-Grimaldi (France) : Ce Rotarien encourage les jeunes professionnels en apportant financement et formation à des entrepreneurs prometteurs. Jean-Paul Faure a initié un concours intitulé Le Trophée du Rotary. Après sept ans d'existence, ce programme a reçu le soutien d'une grande banque et continue d'impliquer les anciens lauréats dans un rôle de mentor.
• Suresh Goklaney du Rotary club de Bombay (Inde) : Ce Rotarien, vice-président du plus grand fabricant mondial de purificateurs d'eau à UV, contribue à l'approvisionnement en eau de villages et de bidonvilles. Il a également participé à la création de centres où les femmes peuvent vendre de l'eau potable et ainsi généré des revenus.
• Annemarie Mostert du Rotary club de Southern Africa (Afrique du Sud) : En 2005, cette Rotarienne a lancé à Johannesburg une organisation à but non lucratif, Sesego Cares, qui vise à autonomiser les femmes. Elle a également collaboré avec TOMS et mobilisé 70 Rotary clubs dans tout le pays afin de distribuer 1,3 million de paires de chaussures à des enfants défavorisés.
• Stephanie Woollard du Rotary club de Melbourne (Australie) : Cette Rotarienne aide des Népalaises à trouver des débouchés à l'étranger pour leurs produits. Elle a fondé Seven Women après avoir rencontré sept artisanes illettrées durant un voyage au Népal. Elle a depuis formé et employé plus d'un millier de femmes tout en enseignant la comptabilité et l'informatique.
• Larry Wright du Rotary club de Taylor (États-Unis) : Ce Rotarien aide des entrepreneurs à Détroit en fournissant des prêts, des cours de management et du mentorat grâce à son organisation Launch Detroit.

À propos du Rotary

Le Rotary est un réseau mondial de 1,2 million de décideurs solidaires qui mettent leurs compétences au service des causes humanitaires et sociétales les plus pressantes. Les 35 000 Rotary clubs présents à travers le monde dans 200 pays et territoires travaillent avec détermination pour améliorer le quotidien dans leur ville et à l'étranger, aider les familles défavorisées et éradiquer la polio. Pour plus d'informations, visiter rotary.org/fr. Pour des vidéos et des photos en haute-définition, visitez le site The Newsmarket. 

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COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

Para publicación inmediata

Contacto: Audrey Carl, +1 (847) 866-3424, audrey.carl@rotary.org

EVANSTON (EE.UU.), 18 de octubre de 2016 — Rotary, red mundial de voluntarios que conecta a líderes y toma acción para mejorar vidas, otorgará reconocimiento a seis personas y a dos empresas por generar un impacto positivo y duradero en sus comunidades.

Al implementar prácticas empresariales inclusivas cada uno incorpora a su trabajo humanitario oportunidades de empleo, tutoría, educación, innovación y colaboración. "Estos líderes empresariales representan la convergencia entre los negocios y las buenas causas", declaró el presidente de Rotary International John Germ. "Gracias a su dedicación al desarrollo económico, miles de personas han obtenido trabajo estable, destrezas laborales esenciales y la educación necesaria para disfrutar de una vida mejor. Me gustaría felicitar cordialmente a quienes reciben este reconocimiento por su extraordinario servicio a la humanidad".

Los siguientes galardonados recibirán el Premio de Rotary a Empresas con responsabilidad social el 12 de noviembre en el día de Rotary en la ONU, evento anual dedicado a resaltar las labores humanitarias que Rotary y las Naciones Unidas emprenden en todo el mundo.

• Coca-Cola Pakistan: Aumenta la conciencia pública sobre la necesidad de las campañas de vacunación contra la polio in Pakistán – uno de los pocos países que nunca ha podido poner freno a esta paralizante enfermedad – y sobre los proyectos de agua potable y saneamiento.
• Mercantil Banco Universal: Apoya un proyecto que ha capacitado a 6.000 estudiantes sobre liderazgo y responsabilidad social en 40 universidades. El proyecto insta a los estudiantes a utilizar sus conocimientos académicos para ayudar a las comunidades menos privilegiadas tanto dentro como fuera de Venezuela.
• Juan Silva Beauperthuy, Club Rotario de Chacao (Venezuela): Con el apoyo de su empresa de ingeniería, ayuda a jóvenes de escasos recursos a mantenerse en la senda correcta mediante el programa educacional Queremos Graduarnos, el cual se enfoca en otorgar tutoría y desarrollar las habilidades de los estudiantes.
• Jean-Paul Faure, Club Rotario de Cagnes-Grimaldi (Francia): Alienta a profesionales jóvenes y provee capacitación y financiamiento a nuevas empresas de negocios promisorias. Faure lanzó un concurso para empresas llamado Le Trophee du Rotary. En su séptimo año, el programa ha atraído el apoyo de importantes bancos y ha mantenido a los ex participantes involucrados como mentores.
• Suresh Goklaney, Club Rotario de Mumbai (India): Proporciona agua salubre en áreas rurales y en barrios marginales urbanos en toda la India. Goklaney, vice presidente ejecutivo de la fábrica más grande de sistemas de purificación de agua del mundo, también ha establecido centros donde las mujeres pueden vender agua salubre y así generar ingresos.
• Annemarie Mostert, Club Rotario de Southern Africa (Sudáfrica): Ofrece educación, capacitación laboral, iniciativa empresarial y desarrollo de liderazgo para mujeres mediante Sesego Cares, organización sin fines de lucro establecida en 2005 con sede en Johannesburgo. Mostert también ha colaborado con TOMS y movilizado a 70 clubes rotarios de todo el país para proporcionar 1,3 millones de pares de zapatos para niños necesitados.
• Stephanie Woollard, Club Rotario de Melbourne (Australia): Ayuda a las mujeres de Nepal a elaborar y vender sus productos en el extranjero. Woollard fundó Seven Women luego de conocer a siete artesanas analfabetas durante una visita a Nepal y desde entonces ha capacitado y contratado a más de 1.000 mujeres en la última década. Además, les ha enseñado contabilidad básica y a utilizar computadoras.
• Larry Wright, Club Rotario de Taylor, Michigan (EE.UU.): Apoya a empresarios en bancarrota de Detroit, proporcionándoles microcréditos, clases de negocios y tutoría mediante su organización Launch Detroit.

Acerca de Rotary:
Rotary es una red mundial de líderes voluntarios que juntos abordan los problemas más acuciantes de la humanidad. Rotary une a 1,2 millones de socios de más de 35.000 clubes rotarios en más de 200 países y regiones geográficas. Mediante las obras que emprenden a nivel local e internacional contribuyen a mejorar las condiciones de vida de sus comunidades, ya sea prestando asistencia a familias necesitadas o combatiendo la poliomielitis en todo el mundo. Para más información sobre Rotary, visite rotary.org. Para ver fotografías y videos de calidad profesional, visite The Newsmarket. 

Contacto: Audrey Carl, +1 (847) 866-3424, audrey.carl@rotary.org

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NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

Contact: Audrey Carl, (847) 866-3424, Audrey.Carl@rotary.org

EVANSTON, Ill. (Oct. 18, 2016) — Rotary, a global network of volunteers who connect leaders and take action to improve lives, will honor six individuals and two corporations for bringing positive, lasting change to their communities.

Through inclusive business practices, each brings employment, mentoring, education, innovation and collaboration to their humanitarian work. "These business leaders represent the intersection of commerce and cause," said Rotary International President John Germ. "Because of their dedication to economic development, thousands of individuals have gained steady employment, vital job skills, and the education necessary to build a better life. I extend my warmest congratulations to them for their outstanding service to humanity."

The following honorees will receive Rotary's Responsible Business recognition on Nov. 12 at Rotary Day at the United Nations, an annual event that highlights humanitarian activities that Rotary and the United Nations lead around the world.

• Coca-Cola Pakistan: Raises public awareness for polio vaccinations in Pakistan – one of the few remaining countries that has never stopped the paralyzing disease -- and clean water and sanitation projects.
• Mercantil Banco Universal: Supports a project that has trained 6,000 students at 40 universities on social responsibility and leadership, with the goal of encouraging students to use their academic knowledge to help underserved communities in Venezuela and beyond.
• Juan Silva Beauperthuy, Rotary Club of Chacao, Venezuela: Helps keep disadvantaged youth on the right track through Queremos Graduarnos an education program focused on mentoring and skill development supported by his engineering firm. Today, the program serves over 700 students in 18 schools.
• Jean-Paul Faure, Rotary Club of Cagnes-Grimaldi, France: Encourages young professionals and provides promising new businesses with training and funding. Faure launched a business contest called Le Trophee du Rotary. Now in its seventh year, the program has drawn support from a major bank and kept past participants involved as mentors.
• Suresh Goklaney, Rotary Club of Bombay, India: Provides clean water in rural villages and urban slums throughout India. Goklaney, executive vice chairman of the world's largest manufacturer of UV water purification systems, has also established water centers where local women sell clean water to generate income.
• Annemarie Mostert, Rotary Club of Southern Africa, South Africa: Offers education, job training, entrepreneurship, and leadership development for women through Sesego Cares, a Johannesburg-based nonprofit Mostert established in 2005. She also collaborated with TOMS and mobilized 70 Rotary clubs across the country to provide 1.3 million pairs of shoes to children in need.
• Stephanie Woollard, Rotary Club of Melbourne, Australia: Helps Nepalese women make and sell products abroad. Woollard founded Seven Women after meeting seven illiterate craftspeople during a visit to Nepal – and has since trained and employed more than 1,000 women in the last decade, while also teaching basic bookkeeping and computer skills.
• Larry Wright, Rotary Club of Taylor, Michigan, USA: Supports entrepreneurs in bankruptcy-era Detroit, providing microloans, business classes, and mentorship through his organization Launch Detroit.

About Rotary:

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Visit rotary.org to learn more. To access broadcast quality video footage and still photos: The Newsmarket. For more information on the Rotary Responsible Business Awards, visit: https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/news-media/rotary-day-un-highlights-role-business-building-better-world

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NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

Contact: Stéphanie Tobler Mucznik, phone +41 44 387 71 16, email: stephanie.tobler@rotary.org

Aims to build membership and understanding of organization’s impact and values 

EVANSTON, Ill., USA (5 October 2016) — Samuel “Sam” Owori of Kampala, Uganda was today confirmed president-nominee of Rotary International - a humanitarian service organization that unites leaders committed to improving lives and bringing positive, lasting change to communities around the world.

As a member of the Rotary Club Kampala, Uganda for 38 years, Owori says, “Rotary has become a way of life for me – with the intrinsic value and core belief in mutual responsibility and concern for one another as a cornerstone. I feel immense satisfaction knowing that through Rotary, I’ve helped someone live better.” 

During his one-year term as Rotary’s 108^th president beginning on 1 July 2018, Owori will focus on building membership worldwide and increasing visibility and understanding of Rotary. He’s played an instrumental role in growing the number of clubs in Uganda from nine to 89 over the course of 29 years. “Today more than ever, the world needs to know and understand Rotary’s impact and values of advancing international understanding, goodwill and peace,” says Owori. “We are all too busy and we’ve lost our patience. Through friendship and service, membership in Rotary offers countless ways to connect and create meaningful change in your community, as well as opportunities to see the world through a more global lens.”

Rotary members throughout the world take action to make communities better.  They contribute their time, energy and passion to carry out impactful and sustainable projects in the areas of peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and economic and community development.  

As president, Owori will oversee Rotary’s top humanitarian goal of eradicating the paralyzing disease polio. Rotary launched its polio immunization program PolioPlus in 1985, and in 1988 became a spearheading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and was later joined by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Since the initiative launched, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to 26 confirmed to date in 2016. Rotary has contributed more than US $1.6 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries.

Owori is chief executive officer of the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda. Before that, he was executive director of the African Development Bank, managing director of Uganda Commercial Bank Ltd., and director of Uganda Development Bank. He has studied law, employment relations, business management, corporate resources management, microfinance, and marketing at institutions in England, Japan, Switzerland, Tanzania, and the United States, including Harvard Business School.

About Rotary

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. To access broadcast quality video footage and still photos go to: The Newsmarket.

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