Why I Am A Rotarian
January 25, 2006
 I
joined the family of Rotary a few years ago. My stepfather was a
member of the local Rotary Club and had been President in
1998-99. At that time, I was obliged to help him in many aspects
of his Presidential year as he was somewhat fearful of the new
Information Technology explosion at that time!
Yes, Rotary was well
known but also largely unknown to me. I did not really
appreciate Rotary – yet, I owe it so much.
My grandmother was
forced to live her last few years in a residential home for the
elderly and after a fall in her wheelchair she became a virtual
recluse. The only time she ever left that unhappy place (she was
a very independent woman) was every spring when the Rotary Club
held their annual concert for the elderly. Rotarians came to
pick up the frail and immobile men and women from the local
community and take them to the local church hall for a morning
of tea, sandwiches and light entertainment. For a few, brief
hours she escaped from the routine of the home and thoroughly
enjoyed herself as she chatted to old friends
For me, Rotary is all
about goodwill –and at it's very heart we have the Rotary
Foundation. This foundation is the cement that binds every one
of us together as we strive for world peace and understanding. I
remember well receiving a sugar cube as a young child –a magical
sweet, lump that contained the polio vaccine. Isn’t it wonderful
how Rotary and its foundation have dedicated itself to ensuring
that every child receives such a gift.
Rotary has
been a part of my family life; I can relate to Rotary’s local
and world community service projects; it makes me feel good that
there are others all around our world dedicated to serve others.
And remember Paul Harris’ words –
“If you have the love of your fellow man in your hearts, you are
a potential Rotarian”
Calum Thomson
Rotary Club of Longniddry and District
"Shangri-la", Edinburgh Road,
Cockenzie,
District 1020
Scotland
Rotary Global History Fellowship Senior
Historian |
