Rotary Foundation secures $590k funding to promote humanitarian efforts in Nigeria

The Rotary International District 9110 Nigeria says the Rotary Foundation, a non-profit arm of the organisation, has received a donation of $590,000 in five months to promote its vision of supporting humanitarian services in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, the foundation reiterated its commitment towards creating a better society.

Speaking at a fundraising dinner held on December 2, Omotunde Lawson, the district governor, said the organisation has made progress in raising funds to deliver its vision of promoting peace, eradicating diseases, hygiene and sanitation, among others.

“The Rotary Foundation, which is the non-profit arm of Rotary International, was established by the 6th Rotary International president, Arch Klump, in 1917. It is that vision and his dream of making the world better for all that has driven us into committing our resources and consistently contributing to the foundation,” Lawson said.

“The foundation began with a mustard seed donation of $26.50 and has since reached over $1.9 billion and still growing.

“The Rotary Foundation has set a goal of increasing its endowment fund to $2.025 billion by year 2025, while the goal of district 9110 is to raise $1.2 million this rotary year.

“Though this sounds so ambitious and unachievable, we are not scared, it can only keep us on our toes and make us think out of the box and seek more strategic ways of fundraising.”

She said the district has introduced the first novel PolioPlus Society in Nigeria, adding that it has generated $91,000 with about $20,000 pledge to be donated soon.

“It may interest our guests to know that Rotarians and a few non-Rotarians here seated have generously donated $1000 to the Rotary Foundation this Rotary year irrespective of what they had contributed in the past,” she added.

“Our district can now boast of two additional Arch Klump society members in quick succession within the first three weeks of this rotary year, they are Past President Dare Adeyeri, chairman of this TRF fundraising dinner and rotarian Urum Kalu Eke, both of the prestigious number 1 club in District 9110, rotary club of Lagos.

“I also acknowledge the generous donations of our brand-new Major Donors and those who have upgraded from multiple Paul Harris fellows to becoming first, second and third-level major donors.”

Oh his part, Dare Adeyeri, chairman of Rotary Foundation fundraising dinner committee, said the organisation is focused on ensuring freedom and happiness, adding that donations help to promote peace by tackling issues such as conflict and diseases.

“The Rotary Foundation is the vehicle through which Rotary International, the largest humanitarian and service organisation in the world, does good in the world and particularly in Nigeria, through projects that advance international understanding, goodwill and peace, improvement of healthcare, support for education, alleviation of poverty, protection of the environment and polio eradication,” Adeyeri said.

“Happiness, freedom and service are goals that we all seek. These underline our daily struggles, including the desire for good education, to learn a trade, make a living and provide for our families amongst other goals.

“To pursue happiness, freedom and security at the expense of society is to undermine one’s self. It’s a waste of time and energy. It’s a threat to existence that truncates one’s ability to unfold their highest possibilities.

“Giving, through The Rotary Foundation promotes peace by identifying and curbing the triggers of conflict, fighting diseases, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene, saving mothers and children, support education, growing local economies and protecting the environment amongst other impactful projects.”