Shaping the road to recovery - 4 BUILD BACK BETTER: INSIDE THIS ISSUE - Rotary in Great Britain and ...
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Covid clinics: inside story 10
Rotary Work Clubs 16
Volunteer Expo preview 32
Save A Child's Heart 42
rotarygbi.org
April/May 2021
4
BUILD BACK BETTER:
Shaping the
road to recovery
DISCOVER
MORE AT
VOLUNTEE
R
EXPO
7-8 MAY
WORKING IN THE
PHILIPPINES
The Philippines is one of the most disaster-affected countries in the world. The country’s
location on the Pacific Ring of Fire and warm, equatorial waters means it is prone to
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tropical storms and typhoons.
In Filipino culture, the idea of Bayanihan refers to a group or a community coming together and helping
one another to achieve a common, greater goal. It promotes a culture of collaboration and empowerment
of every individual, through teamwork, innovation and action. This idea is at the centre of our work in
the Philippines, especially when we work with local organisations and disaster affected communities.
At ShelterBox we are proud of the work we have achieved in the Philippines, since our first response
there in 2004. In 2017 we collaborated with Rotary, to establish an in-country agency - ShelterBox
Operations Philippines. Visit us at virtual Volunteer Expo 2021 to discover more about our work in the
Philippines. Register today for your free ticket and join us on the 7th and 8th May, 2021.
www.volunteerexpo.co.uk
shelterbox.org | rotaryrequest@shelterbox.org
ShelterBox is a charity independent of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation ShelterBox Trust is a registered charity (1096479) and a limited company in England and Wales (04612652), President: HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.
| Rotary CONTENTS Facebook:
/RotaryinGBI | Twitter:
@RotaryGBI | Instagram:
@RotaryGBI | in Great Britain & Ireland
YouTube: Rotary International
32
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE
VOLUNTEER EXPO ONLINE
4 22 42
OPINION FEATURES NEWS
TALK FROM THE TOP 12 HELP FOR HOSPICES 22 LEARNING THE LESSONS FROM COVID 04
Rotary International President Holger Knaack, How hospices are surviving during the One year on, how Rotary has been on the
Director Tony Black and Trustee Chair KR pandemic thanks to the support of Rotary. front line in the battle against coronavirus.
Ravindran reflect on Rotary's hot topics.
CREATING BETTER FUTURES 26 RUNNING LIKE CLOCKWORK 10
ROTARY GBI PRESIDENT 18 A look at Dorothy Dix's work in Zimbabwe The inside story of how Rotarians are
Tom Griffin, Rotary's President for Great which is changing the lives of children. assisting with vaccination clinics nationwide.
Britain & Ireland examines the relevance
of Rotary in a post-Covid age. TOOLS OF THE TRADE 28 GIVING HOPE TO JOB-SEEKERS 16
For 14 years, Grantham Kestevan Rotarians A look at how a Rotary Work Club is making
LETTERS PAGE 36 have been equipping entrepreneurs.
a difference in tough economic times.
There's been no slowing in emails to the
editor's postbag, with four pages of opinions. SAVING A CHILD'S HEART 42
BEWARE THE COVID SCAMMERS 20
Taking a look at the Israeli charity which is
Banks are warning people to be cautious after
TOM GUMP: SEIZE THE MOMENT 40 crossing conventional political boundaries.
American Rotarian Tom Gump reflects on why a surge in online scams during the pandemic.
Rotary stands on the cusp of great opportunity. MADDIE'S GOING FOR GOLD 46
The inspiring story of teenager Maddie Jervis VOLUNTEER EXPO BIG PREVIEW 32
AND FINALLY 56 who dreams of Paralympic glory. Previewing Volunteer Expo Online and
Rotary Editor, Dave King, reveals the results announcing the line-up of speakers who
of an extensive Rotary survey about how you REBUILDING IN BEIRUT 48 will be taking to the virtual stage this May.
like to receive your communications. Eighteen months after an explosion tore
through the city, Welsh Rotarians have PEOPLE OF ACTION 49
been helping. News of Rotary projects across
Read online | rotarygbi.org Great Britain & Ireland.
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rotarygbi.org April / May 2021 | Rotary | 3
Rotary | NEWS
The most
challenging of years
Twelve months on from the outbreak of COVID-19 in the British Isles,
what has the impact been and how has Rotary responded?
| DAVE KING |
W
HO could possibly year that many of us have ever He has co-ordinated the volunteering,
have imagined a year experienced,” she said. as well as providing advice and training.
ago, at the start of the “Through membership of the The third member of the team has
first lockdown, how Voluntary and Community Sector been Brenda Parsons from Rotary Satellite
COVID-19 would Emergencies Partnership (VCSEP), as well Orpington in Kent. “Brenda has been our
change lives in an unprecedented way? as working with resilience networks across pioneer with the VCSEP, upon which we
The biggest societal shift since the Great Britain & Ireland, Rotarians have have built our structure,” explained Cheryle.
Second World War, which has claimed the responded magnificently. “As Rotary Cell Lead for the south-
lives of 126,000 people in the UK. “There has been an unprecedented east, Brenda was the first to develop many
The stealth-like nature of Coronavirus need for volunteers throughout the procedures and policies which have been
will, undoubtedly, leave a permanent scar country, who have been helping at used as examples of good practice.”
on society. This most savage of killers has vaccination and testing centres with Cheryle pointed out how, throughout
exposed a vulnerability which no man- stewarding, parking, administration, the pandemic, Rotarians have been
made war could have ever inflicted. transport, vaccination and after care. stalwarts in supporting their communities.
But the pandemic has also drawn “The work has always been done with Clubs have been working with the
together communities. a smile and a cheerful word. vulnerable and isolated, helping with
Social barriers, which may have once "Our communities have seen shopping, collecting prescriptions and
existed, have come down. Neighbours have Rotarians in a different light, as people providing transport.
looked out for each other. The spirit of the who are not just fund-raisers, but doers.” In the south-east, from Essex
Blitz witnessed two generations ago, has The Voluntary and Community Sector round to the south coast, Bedfordshire,
been rekindled amid the carnage of Covid. Emergencies Partnership (VCSEP) is a Buckinghamshire, and parts of south-east
At the heart of the battle has been partnership of local and national voluntary, London, Brenda has been co-ordinating
the brave battalion of health workers and as well as community sector organisations resilience team efforts.
keyworkers, many of them Rotarians, who – of which Rotary is a part. Their response is typical of what has
have kept our nations going. Some have It was formed in 2017 following been happening with Rotarians nationwide,
sadly paid with their lives to help others. lessons learned from major incidents and replicated many times over.
But since March 2020 and the such as the Grenfell Tower fire. The idea In District 1120, which covers Kent,
first lockdown, Rotary in Great Britain is to bring a more joined-up approach to Medway, south-east London and East
& Ireland has been at the forefront of tackling a crisis, such as COVID-19. Sussex, Rotarians were already involved in
volunteer efforts. It has been a defining Cheryle has been closely supported by resilience activities before the pandemic,
moment for Rotary in these isles. Peter Dowse from Brentwood Breakfast having received training to support rest
Cheryle Berry from Clay Cross Rotary Rotary in Essex, who has been the Rotary centres, and flood wardens.
in Derbyshire is co-leader of Rotary’s GB&I Resilience Lead. Brenda explained: “In response to the
Humanitarian Service team. Over the past year, the former VCSEP, we set up 14 geographical areas
She is full of admiration for the rapid Metropolitan Police officer has brought with its own co-ordinator and each club
response of Rotarians to the crisis over the together a network of Rotarians to serve has provided a lead Rotarian. This has
past 12 months. as District Resilience Officers and VCSEP enabled quick and targeted responses from
“This has been the most challenging Cell Leads. Rotarians willing to travel to meet needs.
4 | Rotary | April / May 2021 rotarygbi.org
rotarygbi.org April / May 2021 | Rotary | 5
Rotary | FEATURE
Clitheroe Rotary in Lancashire is doing its bit by helping vaccination teams at the local health centre
“Since March 2020, a Corona Central Rotarians have been standing shoulder-to- providing PPE equipment, laptops and
team has met every two weeks to review shoulder with health workers at vaccination tablets from homes and hospices, and help
progress, to identify and provide support centres across the British Isles. with local food banks,” he said.
needed and solve issues. In Lancashire, both Carnforth “Clubs have also provided help at
"This is chaired by the resilience officer. and Clitheroe Rotary Clubs have been COVID-19 testing and assisting at vaccine
We hold a database of all activities which mentioned in The Guardian and Daily health centres and local rugby grounds.”
have been undertaken since last March.” Mirror for their efforts to support In Wales and Scotland, Cheryle Berry
As with many Rotary clubs nationwide, vaccination efforts during the current crisis. has been meeting with Red Cross teams.
the District has responded to a call from Clitheroe Rotarian, Bill Honeywell, They lead the volunteer sector in both
schools to provide laptops supporting has been co-ordinating a 100-strong countries looking at ways of direct Rotary
students’ home learning during lockdown. vaccination team of Rotarians and locals at engagement with their work, and it is a
The south-east England district has the Clitheroe Health Centre. similar story in Ireland where Rotarians
provided more than 300 laptops. Bill has organised them into shifts so have started volunteer activities.
Beckenham and Margate Rotary clubs that a group of them are always on hand In Ireland, District 1160 is split
have each provided 100 computers, as well to marshal cars and help guide often frail between Northern Ireland and the
as raising more than £10,000 in donations pensioners in from the cold. Republic. “In the north, we have had
to buy further IT equipment. “They’re just so grateful to be here,” Rotarians volunteering at vaccination
“All five districts are involved with Bill told the Daily Mirror. “A lot of them clinics since February through the
supporting local food banks or food-related haven’t been out for maybe 10 months, so organisation Volunteer Now,” explained
projects for those in need,” added Brenda. it’s a thrill just to be out in the open. Ireland District Governor, Conny Ovesen
“Rotarians have been collecting, packing or “For them, to be able to go away from Youghal Rotary.
delivering, even on Christmas Day. smiling after having the jab is a joy to “We have had Rotarians from
“Several clubs have been engaged behold. Their relatives are all incredibly Enniskillen and Armagh Rotary clubs
with sewing projects for hospitals and the relieved and thankful. We’ve had so many involved. They’re being called upon to help
homeless, with more than 5,000 scrub bags tins of biscuits dropped off as thank-yous with parking, registration and sitting with
provided. that we’re going to pile on the pounds!” people after they’ve got the jab at some of
“Rotarians have also been raising funds Rotary District 1285 stretches across the larger vaccination centres.”
for local charities and front-line workers, the Cheshire Plain north via the Manchester Collette O’Neill from Cork
using some new innovative and interesting metropolis to the Yorkshire border, and also Bishopstown Rotary is liaising over Rotary
approaches. takes in part of Staffordshire, as well as the Ireland’s involvement with the vaccination
“All districts have members who are Isle of Man. programme in the Republic of Ireland.
on the front line working and some of who Resilience chief Mike Wilson said She said: “The Communications
have returned to work in healthcare settings that Bolton Lever Rotary had produced a Branch of the Health Service Executive
after retirement.” YouTube video of its work during Covid to (HSE) reached out to Rotary Ireland
Now, in a bid to support the largest show what can be achieved. inviting us to join their COVID-19 Vaccine
immunisation programme in history, “Rotarians are doing varied projects, Community Network, alongside other
6 | Rotary | April / May 2021 rotarygbi.org
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rotarygbi.org April / May 2021 | Rotary | 7
Rotary | FEATURE
"ROTARY’S RESPONSE TO THE
PANDEMIC HAS BOOSTED ITS
PROFILE AND IMAGE IN THE
COMMUNITY."
volunteer and charitable organisations. were donated.” “Successful clubs have adapted in
“The purpose of this network is to In North Wales, Rotarians have also a positive manner and the positivity is
create a team who, over the coming months, been focused this year on supplying laptops worth sharing. Online social events such as
will work with stakeholder groups to ensure to schools and supporting food banks. quizzes and whisky tasting spring to mind.
that people who are due to get their vaccine Meanwhile, Holyhead Rotarians have “Fund-raising did happen – from
next have the information that they need been volunteering at the town's vaccination operating an e-Bay online shop to socially
from a safe and trusted source. centre and supporting the local hospice distanced golf tournaments it was possible
“The role of Rotary Ireland is to food banks. “Projects in the community were not
support the HSE in the provision of public District Governor, David Hartley, from cancelled, where there was a need, Rotary
information, advertising and provide an Maghull and Aughton Rotary, believes responded.
easy accessible forum where questions will that Rotary’s response to the pandemic “Our district has tried different ways
be answered and fears can be addressed.” has boosted its profile and image in the to keep the word ‘cancel’ out of the Rotary
Collette meets regularly with the Irish community. lexicon.”
Government’s HSE. One crucial role Irish He said: “The wider question is Cheryle Berry believes the impact of
Rotarians will be playing is communication whether Rotary will have gained ground Rotary’s work is now reaching out to all
about the vaccination programme. through Zoom meetings and new sections of the community.
All Rotarians will be encouraged to initiatives, or lost ground with the deaths She explained: “This is not just
download a Covid tracker app, to heighten of members, loss of interest and the Rotary in Action with the vaccination
awareness and support the programme. decimation of fund-raising. programme, but continuing our help with
In South Wales, District Governor "But this is hardly a Welsh thing. food banks, supporting the isolated and
Alison Sutherland from Cardiff Bay Rotary, “As dreadful as COVID is, it has vulnerable, providing laptops for young
said that up until the beginning of March, certainly opened opportunities with many people, providing personal protective
Rotarians had little involvement with the clubs who dine, giving what they would equipment for hospitals and care homes
vaccinations because they have been unable have spent on meals to local charities.” and campaigning for social distancing.
to have the relevant risk assessments. Calum Thomson from Tranent Rotary "The list is endless.
“We are still in lockdown,” she said. is District Governor for Southern Scotland. “Rotary’s response has gained us new
“Many of our members would be “The global pandemic has hit us hard partnerships with voluntary and statutory
excluded from volunteering on the grounds with nobody escaping its clutches. It felt organisations which will continue.
of their age.” sometimes like this virus was in control of "And we have gained new Rotarians
Welsh Rotarians have been involved all our lives,” he said. from volunteers who have enjoyed working
with innovative ways of fund-raising and “Within our Rotary world, we have had with us.
community activities. Newport Uskmouth to rise to the challenge and learn to adapt. “Yes, it has been a challenging year,
Rotary began the collection of old laptops "That third part of the Rotary but one where we can all be proud to be
which were refurbished and then passed International Strategic Plan - increasing Rotarians.” l
onto youngsters for home schooling. our ability to adapt - has never been more
“This has now been picked up by at prescient.
least another seven Rotary clubs and has “I have seen clubs immediately adopt
the involvement of our IT Officer in the and implement new technology into their
refurbishment side,” added Alison. way of doing things. Attendance remained | Watch Now |
“Newport Uskmouth not only started the same, increasing in some clubs while youtube.com/watch?v=gTZwTSef0RQ
this but, as a result, 80 new Chrome books the fun and fellowship remained.
8 | Rotary | April / May 2021 rotarygbi.org
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Rotary | FEATURE
Running like
clockwork Rotarians across the British Isles are volunteering at Covid clinics
- and they're in it for the long haul. Dave King reflects on his first
day working at a vaccination centre in Hampshire.
F
RIDAY afternoon at the Britain and Ireland. This is Rotary in case of any reaction.
Holiday Inn on the outskirts of action. We are people of action. The health centre manager has asked
Winchester. It is minus one Celsius outside with us to warn staff if we spot anyone looking
Nestled at the foot of the an Arctic-like breeze blowing off the a bit peaky after their vaccination.
South Downs National Park, Downs. But because of the spacious hotel Once the quarter of an hour is up,
this 131-room hotel would normally be car park, no volunteers are needed for they are guided to the car park, and we
buzzing with visitors checking in for a parking duty today. wipe down the previously-occupied chairs.
weekend stay on the south coast. Instead, our tidy team are inside the I have never cleaned so many chairs in
But not today. Instead, the four-star warm hotel, positioned at various strategic two hours - and don't talk to me about my
hotel, which last year completed a £2.5 points from reception to the vaccination wrinkly hands!
million refurbishment, has been taken over room and the exit, where I am located. The organisation is like clockwork.
as a Covid vaccination clinic. In front of me are six vaccination The medical team at the Holiday Inn
The Winchester Rural North and stations. Each one is manned – or are carrying out around 1,000 vaccinations
East Primary Care Network is part of the womanned – by a team of two; one typing a day. It's a similar story of vaccination
biggest vaccination programmes rolled in details into a laptop, and a second volume at St James' Hospital in
out in NHS history. And there to help are person administering the vaccine. Portsmouth, where I have been on front
a group of orange bib-wearing volunteers Patients are asked to sit down for up gate duty checking visitors' credentials -
from Winchester Rotary. to 15 minutes before driving home, just in and turning away a few chancers who have
With the vaccination programme
expected to spread well into the summer,
we are preparing for the long haul.
We have been meticulously organised
with a seven-day rota of two-hour shifts by
Bruce Royston-Smith.
The paperwork beforehand was
pretty minimal – a terms of reference, risk
assessment, and a volunteer agreement.
It is the complete opposite in
Portsmouth where I am volunteering with
Rotarians for the Solent NHS Trust, who
require a Disclosure & Barring Service
check, two references, plus three forms of
ID and a photograph for a pass.
All a minor inconvenience.
Our volunteering commitment to
the Covid clinics is being mirrored by
hundreds of Rotary clubs across Great
10 | Rotary | April / May 2021 rotarygbi.orgtried to sneak a dose
of vaccine! "THE ORGANISATION IS LIKE CLOCKWORK. THE
At Winchester,
newly-arrived patients
MEDICAL TEAM AT THE HOLIDAY INN ARE CARRYING
report to reception at
OUT AROUND 1,000 VACCINATIONS A DAY."
their appointed time, and
are then ushered through
for their jab.
“It’s wonderful,” says one
lady, as I showed her to a chair.
“I was expecting there to be queues
outside, but it has been marvellous.
Everyone has been so kind.”
Another gentleman, who had
begrudgingly made a 15-mile drive from
his rural home, was glad it was all over.
“I wasn’t sure about coming, but we
got it done,” he says. “Give the nurses their
due, they are doing an excellent job.” strides up. “Excuse me, have you had a was given, plus a reminder to attend for a
Generally, the mood is upbeat. I am vaccination?” she asks. second dose during one of my volunteering
chatting to the patients about the weather, Somewhat surprised since I’m not due shifts in April.
football and roadworks on the M27. for a jab until April, she says they are keen Dr Nigel Watson is the clinical lead
For a few, it’s the first time they have to get the volunteers vaccinated too. for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight
managed to get out for weeks to enjoy Waiiting at station 3 is Jane. She COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.
face-to-face conversation. retired as a local GP three years ago, but He said: “Clinics are going really well
All, without exception, are glad they has returned to help the Covid clinic. with lots of our patients and staff saying
have received the first vaccination, before “Normally I would be walking how smoothly things have run.
returning in 11 weeks’ time. the dogs or playing tennis on a Friday “We’d like to thank everyone
Time passes swiftly. The conversation afternoon,” she reveals. for bearing with us as we know how
is convivial, and the appreciation of “It’s great to be here helping.” important the vaccine is to many people.
thanks, as patients clock the Winchester The process is simple. Jane asks a few “Whilst the vaccine roll-out is really
Rotary bib, are genuinely well meant. questions while her assistant types the good news, we know that the virus is
Domino's have been plying volunteers details into a laptop. She explains I will be still very much with us so we all must do
with pizza which sums up the generosity receiving the Oxford AstraZeneca jab. everything we can to protect ourselves
of spirit within the community. The injection is short and sweet. and others.” l
Just when there is a lull in the flow of Jane hands me a card carrying the
vaccinations, the health centre manager name and batch of the vaccine, the date it
rotarygbi.org April / May 2021 | Rotary | 11Talk| from
Rotary OPINIONthe top…
HOLGER
KNAACK PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
T
HIS year, we celebrate Earth have a Rotary, Rotaract, or Interact club (esrag.org), I have seen how our work for
Day on April 22nd with a or a Rotary Community Corps, there are the environment dovetails with much of
new sense of purpose. The environmental challenges. what we are already doing in water and
environment is now an area of focus As Rotary members, we can become in our other areas of focus.
talk from top
for Rotary. Solutions for all great tasks stewards of environmental sustainability Rotary members are not passive
always start with you and me, and there and adopt the United Nations 2030 spectators; we take action. Let’s work
is much we as individuals can do simply Sustainable Development Goals in our together and make a positive impact.
by changing our behaviour: cutting daily lives at home and in our clubs.
down on our use of plastic and using Then we can incorporate them into our Support from The Rotary
energy wisely are just two examples. Rotary projects. Foundation will define this new chapter
But now we have the opportunity to do My club has been involved with in our service. Through district and
more together. water and environment projects since day global grant projects, we will build
Supporting the environment is one. We seek opportunities to empower upon our previous projects that help
not new to Rotary; clubs have long Rotarians and foster partnerships in our the environment. We will look for ways
worked on environmental issues based region and beyond, working with groups to collaborate more closely and make a
on local needs. Now climate change — a like the Inter-American Water Resources greater impact on global environmental
problem that affects us all, rich and poor Network and the World Water Council. issues. And we will incorporate
— requires us to work together more Local clubs worked with the Water, environmental concerns into all of our
closely than ever. Sanitation, and Hygiene Rotary Action programmes, projects, and events.
Alberto Palombo, a Venezuelan Group (wasrag.org) to help Rotary get a Rotaractors and participants in
engineer living in Brazil and a member seat at the table during the 2018 World our youth programmes expect Rotary
of The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Water Forum in Brasilia, where we to take a clear position and provide
Technical Advisers, shares his view. discussed how communities can recover leadership with vision. We will work
from environmental disasters like the one with them, seeking intelligent solutions
For 30 years, my work has been to caused by the failure of a mining dam on to the problems they will inherit.
connect with communities and policy Brazil’s Rio Doce in 2015. Our incredible members, networks,
officials to take care of the environment. Taking care of the earth is an effort and Foundation give us the capacity
Today, I am excited about that never stops. to make an important and lasting
Rotary’s opportunities to help reduce To make an impact, we must align our contribution.
environmental degradation and make knowledge, abilities, and enthusiasm — Now, we will discover together how
communities more environmentally and Rotary is already great at doing this. Rotary Opens Opportunities to help us
sustainable. As a volunteer with the Environmental expand our service to preserve the home
In every community where we Sustainability Rotary Action Group we all share. l
12 | Rotary | April / May 2021 rotarygbi.orgTalk| from
Rotary NEWS the top…
K.R. Ravindran through our programmes of scale grants. done. Their aim is no less than reducing
Trustee Chair 2020/21 We will award a $2 million grant malaria by 90% in 10 target districts in
M
annually to one project that aligns with one two of Zambia’s provinces.
AKE no little plans, American or more of Rotary’s areas of focus. Rotary members are also applying
architect Daniel Burnham The grant should solve problems for the power of partnering by teaming with
said. “They have no magic to many people in a large geographic area several organisations.
stir our blood and probably themselves through a measurable and sustainable They include Zambia’s Ministry
will not be realised.” approach within a three- to five-year period. of Health through its National Malaria
When Rotary heeds Burnham’s It also requires like-minded partners Elimination Centre to ensure the
advice and follows through with action, who are committed and resourceful. programme contributes to the national
we shine. We made big plans when The idea is to replicate these strategy .
we spearheaded a global initiative to programmes in different communities The Bill & Melinda Gates
eradicate polio; last year, the World around the world, applying lessons learned. Foundation and World Vision are
Health Organization’s African region The Rotary Club of Federal Way, also investing substantial resources in
was certified free of wild polio virus. Washington, has made no little plans. co-funding and implementing this $6
When the coronavirus hit a year As sponsor of the first programmes million programme.
ago, The Rotary Foundation awarded of scale grant, the club is leading, in These first programmes of scale
319 COVID-19-specific disaster response partnership with Zambian Rotary clubs and grants will inspire others and make a
grants for $7.9 million. Malaria Partners Zambia, an effort to end a great impact in the years ahead.
To date, we have further awarded disease that is widespread. It is just the latest chapter in the
317 COVID-19 global grants worth Through 'Partners for a Malaria-Free story of Rotary. One that recounts how
$24.1 million, which, combined with Zambia', Rotary will help train 60 Zambian ordinary citizens unite, to not only plan
previously approved global grants that district health officials, 382 health facility big, but also take bold action to help
grant sponsors repurposed to support staff, and 2,500 community health workers others in need. It is a stirring story that
coronavirus response, has made for a to save lives. you, the dedicated members of Rotary
total outflow of more than $32.7 million. It will also equip them with the who support The Rotary Foundation,
We are now thinking big again, necessary supplies and gear to get the job are supporting this venture. •
strategy has been developed to help hygiene practices, donations of
Tony Black
RI Director 2019/21 inform and inspire clubs, members, personal protective equipment.
A
and participants to take action in their 5) E
ncouraging preparedness to receive
communities in appropriate ways as the vaccine (e.g. advocacy efforts to
T the January Rotary
vaccination efforts progress around ensure governments will have their
International (RI) Board
the world. preparedness plans in place).
meeting, it was unanimously
To add focus to this effort, and to
agreed the RI Convention scheduled for
clearly communicate about Rotary’s Rotary has produced a range of
June in Taipei would take place virtually.
support for regional and local COVID-19 resources to guide Rotarians which can
This decision has disappointed
vaccination efforts, five key categories have be found at rotary.org
many Rotarians, but the health of the
been identified as areas in which clubs and An opportunity for collaboration
attendees was uppermost in our minds.
members can play an important role: with UNICEF is under discussion, which
Look out for information on the
1) Community education – sharing would highlight how polio eradication
virtual convention.
information from health departments is proof that vaccines work, and how the
So what is Rotary to get the
and supporting their efforts. lessons learned can be applied to the
COVID-19 vaccinations to people
2) E quitable distribution of the COVID-19 COVID-19 crisis.
around the world?
vaccine. This effort would include joint
An RI COVID-19 task force
3) C ombatting misinformation by sharing advocacy efforts, co-operating on
is looking at how we can support
accurate and fact-based information in a communications efforts, alignment on
pandemic relief efforts. There is a need
regionally appropriate way. messaging, and arranging opportunities
for global co-operation between citizens
4) P revention of COVID-19 by continuing for collaboration at the local level in
and governments, building on our
to engage in projects supporting mask- regions identified as priority markets by
experience in combating the polio virus.
A comprehensive communications
wearing, social distancing, project both Rotary and UNICEF. •
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Giving hope
to job-seekers
More than 12 months on since Europe felt the full impact of the
pandemic, so it has taken a heavy toll on the jobs market. But Rotary has
been helping some of the unemployed to get back on their feet.
| DAVE KING |
T
HE withering impact of Government’s furlough scheme which has unemployment, around 3.7%.
COVID-19 on jobs can be provided a haven for many businesses and But last year, as lockdown measures
witnessed by walking down their employees. left thousands without work, Bromley
any High Street where the And as lockdown restrictions are experienced a 182% rise in claims for
metal shutters have been eased this summer, it will be interesting unemployment benefit – the highest of
firmly padlocked. to see which businesses are able to bloom any London Borough.
Economists are predicting that UK in the quagmire of coronavirus. That prompted action by Bromley’s
unemployment could reach by 2.6 million Bromley, which used to be an ancient eight Rotary clubs and the creation of the
by the middle of 2021 – that is 7.5% of parish in the county of Kent, also sits in Rotary Work Club.
the working age population. the suburbs of the capital as the London The initiative was founded by
Much depends on the longevity of Borough of Bromley. Christine Atkinson and echoes a similar
the pandemic and the benevolence of the It has an historically low rate of Rotary club project from the 1980s.
16 | Rotary | April / May 2021 rotarygbi.org"SOME OF THE PARTICIPANTS
HAVE ALREADY FOUND WORK, AND
CREDITED THE ROTARY WORK CLUB
FOR ADDING TO THEIR APPROACH
AND CONFIDENCE."
“For Rotary clubs, support for issues a success as the team of Rotarians and Each session is being delivered by
which concern our local community is a volunteer professionals delivered a much- trained volunteer facilitators from many
key priority,” said Christine. appreciated series of online workshops. different professional and business
“The issue of suddenly rising and Some of the participants have already backgrounds.
drastic unemployment is one of the found work, and credited the Rotary “Launching phase 2 means that we
biggest society faces. Work Club for adding to their approach can reach out to more of the growing and
"But for the cushion of the furlough and confidence. constantly changing audience of people
scheme, which cannot last indefinitely, The final session of phase one was in need that we set out to help,” added
even though it has just been extended for attended by representatives of Enterprise Christine.
a second time, it would be much worse.” Nation, the Federation of Small “The session content was deliberately
The Rotary Work Club is a course of Businesses, and Nicki Scott, Leader of the made modular and portable so that other
weekly online learning opportunities to Association for Rotary Great Britain & people in other areas can use the model
people in the town who are out of a job Ireland from 2021-23. created by Bromley's Rotary Work Club to
or feel they are at risk of unemployment The Mayor of Bromley, Councillor serve more people in local areas.
- a growing audience that is usually Hannah Gray, added her support to the “The COVID-19 pandemic is having
neglected, but which is just as important initiative, saying: "I believe Rotary does a well-publicised and devastating impact
in mental health terms. amazing work and its members are often on employment and businesses.
They do not promise a job, but offer unsung heroes. I would like to thank “The Rotary Work Club was
free, independent, practical guidance and everyone involved." created to help job-seekers gain fresh
support. Liam Carlisle, Chairman of the employment or start a business even
Christine said: “It is already clear London and South East Forum of Credit against this background.
that for some, having recourse to a local, Unions, is also behind the initiative and “The participants include people
helpful, no-strings resource of help and he joined phase two of the Rotary Work who hadn't had an interview in 20 years,
companionship provides an uplift to Club which ran from January through to some who found application forms hugely
mental health at a very difficult time. late February. challenging, and some who had been told
“We are not a recruitment agency they lacked confidence or enthusiasm at
or job brokerage – we don’t look for jobs The second series of seven Rotary Work interview, but without being given any
for candidates or look for candidates for Club seminars on Zoom focusses on: advice on how to improve.
employers.
"We are also not a job referral
• Getting back on your feet “More Rotary areas in the UK and
beyond, and more professional volunteers,
scheme, so we don’t connect employers to • Sorting your finances are coming forward and showing interest
candidates, or vice versa.” • CV writing in continuing and expanding on
During the pilot phase last autumn, • Job search this work.”•
participants learned useful skills to help
them to gain new employment or to start
• Interview skills
a business. • Developing your LinkedIn profile
Christine described phase one as • Starting your own business
rotarygbi.org April / May 2021 | Rotary | 17Rotary | OPINION
| TOM GRIFFIN |
Rotary President of Great Britain & Ireland
A question of value
R
OTARIANS are encouraged to have an elevator speech gender, ethnicity or occupational background of our membership? I
– ready to answer the ‘what is Rotary?’ question when leave it to you to look at your club and answer that question.
someone points to your pin in the lift. It’s useful to have a We offer leadership to our communities every time we identify
succinct reply ready, but the question of ‘what is Rotary?’ a need, and meet it with a service project.
really deserves a longer answer. We exercise leadership in running our clubs, and learn or
Essentially, we are a membership organisation which does develop skills of value to us in our non-Rotary lives.
service – but there’s a lot more, and I think that the true And Rotary itself offered leadership to the whole world
definition lies in our five core values: when it said “we can eradicate polio”, and persuaded an
Fellowship; Integrity; Diversity; Leadership; Service initially uncertain World Health Organization that this
We enjoy the fellowship of our fellow club members was possible. Quickly, the WHO, national governments
every time we meet – online or face-to-face – but Rotary and others followed that lead, and now polio is endemic
offers so much more. only in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
When you join Rotary, you don’t just join a club of a few And service. Every club in its own way contributes
dozen members, you become part of a worldwide community something to Rotary’s tremendous record of service.
who share the same values. It’s heartwarming that in the last year or so, when
That means that almost anywhere you go in the many service projects have had to be put on hold,
world, you will find fellow Rotarians happy to Rotary has continued to serve – shopping and
welcome you to their club; friends you just collecting prescriptions for the vulnerable,
hadn’t previously met. buying laptops for children studying at
Our commitment to integrity means home, providing PPE to hospitals and
that we are people you can trust. care homes, and helping out with admin
I was saddened to hear someone at the or stewarding at coronavirus vaccination
recent membership summit question why centres.
we still have the Four Way Test. So, what then is Rotary? To me, it
These days it’s more relevant than is a community, bound together by our
ever. When fake news is being peddled adherence to these values – and the world
and public discourse is becoming more is a far better place for its existence. l
and more strident and partisan, our
commitment not only to ‘the truth’, but
also to fairness and goodwill takes the
issue of whether we can trust what is said
or done to another level. "EVERY CLUB IN ITS OWN WAY
The fact that Rotary exists in most CONTRIBUTES SOMETHING TO
countries guarantees that our global ROTARY’S TREMENDOUS
membership is diverse. RECORD OF SERVICE."
But a word of caution here; are we
in Great Britain & Ireland truly diverse
in our membership? Do we truly reflect
our communities in terms of the age,
18 | Rotary | April / May 2021 rotarygbi.orgrotarygbi.org April / May 2021 | Rotary | 19
Rotary | FEATURE
Banks issue urgent
Covid scam warning
In recent months, Mark Mullally and Sally Schofield from NatWest’s
Community Banking team have been speaking to a number of Rotary
clubs warning about the dangers of online fraud. Here’s their advice on
what action you can take to beat the online scammers.
A
CCORDING to Action If you see a deal online that looks too l Don’t give away your personal and
Fraud, the COVID-19 good to be true from a website you’ve never bank details too easily. Criminals use
lockdown over the past 12 heard of, do your homework; check what online competitions or offers of free
months has seen an increase the merchants refund policy is, do they shopping vouchers as a way of harvesting
in scams of 400%. have a landline to call if there is a problem, information from their next victims.
By alerting Rotarians and the general are there any negative reviews about them?
public in advance by raising awareness If you have doubts, don’t make the l Be sceptical of unsolicited phone calls,
of these types of scams, criminals will be purchase. texts or emails asking for personal or bank
less able to take advantage, even though details. Your bank or the police will never
lockdown measures are easing. l If an online seller asks you to send ask for a full PIN or password, card reader
Vaccination scams are emerging as money direct from your bank account to codes, or ask you to move money from
one of the top threats. A phone call, email theirs, this is probably a scam. your account.
or text message is sent in an attempt to If they fail to deliver the goods you
steal personal and financial details. will lose your money. l Do not recycle passwords and definitely
The message contains a link to a fake When it comes to buying online, use a unique password for your bank
NHS website with an application form to use your MasterCard or VISA to pay, or accounts and your email account.
register for the vaccine asking for various carefully follow the scam advice on auction
personal and bank details which are then sites such as eBay and Gumtree will help l Pass this information on to your family
used by criminals. you avoid falling victim and friends, especially anyone you think
Banks have issued tips to help stay might be vulnerable.
safe and secure, as well as detailing five
of the most common scams seen during
lockdown.
You are now more likely to be a victim
of fraud in the UK than any other crime.
During last year’s lockdown, criminals
took advantage of more people working
remotely and online. It therefore makes
sense to take some simple steps to make
yourself and your family more fraud proof.
TIPS ON HOW TO BECOME
MORE FRAUD PROOF
l Customers are reporting fake adverts on
reputable sites such as Google, Facebook,
eBay, and Instagram.
Try to shop online with websites that
you know and trust using MasterCard
or VISA. An example of one of the current scams being highlighted by NatWest Bank
20 | Rotary | April / May 2021 rotarygbi.org"DURING LAST YEAR’S LOCKDOWN,
CRIMINALS TOOK ADVANTAGE OF MORE
PEOPLE WORKING REMOTELY AND ONLINE."
CURRENT SCAMS sent in an attempt to steal personal and 5 OFFERS TO MAKE QUICK MONEY
1 POSTAL DELIVERY SCAMS financial details. The message contains There has been an increase in criminals
With more shopping taking place online a link to a fake NHS website with an trying to lure people into becoming money
criminals have been using fake DPD and application form to register for the vaccine mules through ‘get rich quick’ job offers.
Royal Mail emails to collect personal asking for various personal and bank If someone offers you money to use
information which they then use to details to ‘confirm your address’. This your bank account refuse and alert the
commit further fraud. information is then used by criminals to police.
target your bank account. The personal consequences of
2 PURCHASE SCAMS allowing criminals to pay money through
Criminals follow the trend and will offer 4 CORONAVIRUS TAX REFUND your account can be life-changing and you
goods for sale that are in high demand. Criminals are bombarding inboxes with may not be able to open a bank account
Our customers have reported scams fake emails, texts and calls claiming again.
involving pets that don’t exist, games entitlement to a support grant or tax- NatWest is also offering customers
consoles, mobile phones and even hot tub rebate due to coronavirus. free Malwarebytes software to help with
scams and camper vans. If you see a good The aim is to get you to give them
your personal details like your name, date
added online protection.•
deal advertised via auction sites or on
social media be careful. of birth, address and sometimes even your
Follow the payment advice on the payment card details, which they then use
to steal your money. | Information |
website, ideally pay by MasterCard or
VISA and definitely do not pay direct into Report emails like this to: More information on how to avoid
someone’s bank account until you have report@phishing.gov.uk scams is available from:
taken delivery of the goods. Once criminals have your details, they www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk
will often call you, pretending to be from www.actionfraud.police.uk
3 CORONAVIRUS your bank’s fraud team, trying to persuade www.natwest.com
VACCINATION SCAMS you to move your money to a ‘safe account’
A phone call, email or text message is or give away your card reader codes.
rotarygbi.org April / May 2021 | Rotary | 21Rotary | FEATURE
Help for
hospices
Rotary clubs across three counties have been
working together to support hospices which have
been badly affected by the pandemic.
| DAVE KING |
Library image
T
HE impact of COVID-19 has and Hertfordshire, Rotarians have
hit many charities hard. responded to the challenges faced by
Recent research has hospices and the unprecedented pressures
revealed that eight out of being put on their resources.
10 charities believe the Rotarians across the three counties,
coronavirus pandemic will negatively as part of District 1260, have managed to
impact on their ability to deliver on provide valuable funding to support the
planned objectives over the next year. work of hospices in the region.
The report, ‘Respond, Recover, Luton North Rotarian, Paul Denton,
Reset: The Voluntary Sector and was the driving force behind sourcing
COVID-19’ reveals, unsurprisingly, how £64,000 of funding to eight hospices in
the devastating financial impact of the the region.
lockdowns has left nearly 40% of charities Paul is Chairman of the District 1260
and community groups in a worsening Global Grants Committee that led the
financial situation. application.
Worryingly, one in ten charities He said: “We found many district
believe they may be forced to close within clubs were already supporting the
a year, according to the report, which hospices, but 29 clubs were happy to
has been authored by Nottingham Trent support a Rotary Foundation Global Grant
University, the National Council for with 50% added to their money.”
Voluntary Organisations and Sheffield A total of £43,000 was raised with
Hallam University. a Rotary Foundation COVID-19 Global
Hospices, providing valuable end of Grant. This was added to cash from the
life care, have been at the sharp end of District 1260 District Designated Fund,
those funding challenges. Nationally, there 29 clubs in the district, The Rotary
are 155 adult hospices in the UK. Foundation, and Bloomington Rotary
In Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire in Minneapolis, USA, who acted as an
22 | Rotary | April / May 2021 rotarygbi.org“THANK YOU FROM KEECH HOSPICE CARE. WE SIMPLY WOULD
NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THIS LEVEL OF CARE AND SUPPORT TO
OUR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF
ORGANISATIONS SUCH ROTARY. WE CAN’T THANK YOU ENOUGH.”
international partner for the grant. grateful for the Rotary lifeline. laptops, headsets and software which
Luton North Rotary returned the Richard Harbon from Garden House allowed our clinicians and patients to stay
favour by being the international partner Hospice Care in Welwyn Garden City, connected and offer the same outstanding
for a COVID-19 Global Grant sourced by explained how they have been hit hard by care virtually. This ensured we could still
the Minneapolis club to fill the shelves of lockdown. be that reassuring voice at the end of the
superstores in Minnesota. “As soon as the restrictions of phone to anyone who needed us.”
Paul Denton added: “The Rotary COVID-19 kicked in, all of our shops It was a similar message from the
Foundation advised that the application closed and virtually all our events were Peace Hospice in Watford, who said: “Your
should be written as eight mini Global either cancelled or postponed,” he said. support has helped us greatly to continue
Grants under the umbrella of one “This meant an expected shortfall at providing the very special care that our
grant number, with full use made of the end of the year of £1.3 million. patients and families need.
the concessions allowed under the new "Thankfully, the Government is now “We would not be able to help those
COVID-19 rule. providing support of £700,000 meaning who need us without charitable supporters
“Each hospice provided a list of the an expected shortfall of £600,000. such as The Rotary Global Grants
items relevant to their particular needs. “Clearly the longer restrictions are in Committee who gave a grant of £4,695
"These included, web cams, syringe place, the more money we will lose. for two syringe drivers, lock boxes, an ECG
drivers, laptops for outreach work, special "It may, as described by one senior machine and accessories for the Inpatient
mattresses, PPE, online virtual therapy nurse, be like starting again. We are so Unit. Thank you all.”
headsets, and a locked drugs dispenser.” grateful for Rotary’s offer to help.” In Letchworth, where the Isabel
The money paid for 40 different items A spokeswoman for the Hospice of Hospice received £6,261, the funding has
for the hospices, which have been visited St Francis in Berkhamsted, said: “The been used to purchase vital equipment
by members of the sponsoring Rotary generosity of Rotary could not have come for the unit including syringe drivers for
clubs, District Governors Mary Whitehead at a more significant time, as we faced the dispensing medication, wander mats for
(2019-2020) and Vijay Patel (2020- biggest drop in income in our 40-year patient beds which alert clinical teams
2021), along with Leslie Robertson, the history when the demand for our services of movement or changes, and a cooling
District 1260 Secretary, and Paul Denton. was only increasing. blanket to be used when someone
The hospices have been extremely “With the grant, we purchased new passes away.
rotarygbi.org April / May 2021 | Rotary | 23Rotary | FEATURE
Garden House Hospice Care in Welwyn Garden City have been hit hard financially by the pandemic
“CLEARLY, THE LONGER RESTRICTIONS ARE IN
PLACE, THE MORE MONEY WE WILL LOSE. IT
MAY, AS DESCRIBED BY ONE SENIOR NURSE, BE
LIKE STARTING AGAIN. WE ARE SO GRATEFUL
FOR ROTARY’S OFFER TO HELP.”
Rotarian Paul Denton said that the test result. “She was wrapped in a blanket with
project had enabled more Rotarians to see “The need for us has never been a cup of tea and hot water bottle to keep
The Rotary Foundation at work and how greater,” she said. “Our patients are some of warm. They were both given a crochet
the money is spent. the most vulnerable and highly susceptible heart which they could squeeze, the lady
“The project has had full Rotary to the virus. was able to take her heart home and the
involvement and full support from the “It presents a real threat to their lives second heart remained with her husband,
hospices,” he said. “It is a great example of and despite their own fears, our dedicated and went with him when he was moved to
The Rotary Foundation working for and care teams have been continuing to care the undertakers.
with communities, showing how Rotary for children and adults at the end of their “The crochet heart enabled them
Opens Opportunities.” lives, both at the hospice itself and out in to have a psychological connection,
Luton North Rotary has had a long- our communities.” something to touch and squeeze when they
standing connection with Keech Hospice And the impact of COVID-19 is are unable to be at the bedside holding
since it opened in 1991. It cares for both simply chilling and heart-wrenching. hands and hopefully provided them some
adults and children and received £10,000 Nikki added: “Just the other day our comfort at such a difficult time.
from the Global Grant. Clinical Director sat on the patio with a “This is an extremely difficult time
Nikki Samsa explained how the past lady in her eighties while her husband, for our care teams both emotionally and
year has been extremely challenging for the who had tested positive for COVID-19 physically.
hospice. The number of patients receiving before he was admitted to Keech Hospice, “Thank you from Keech Hospice
care is growing daily. This includes passed away inside. Care. We simply would not be able to
patients who are new to the hospice who “Our nurses offered to dress her in full provide this level of care and support to
have tested positive for COVID-19. PPE so she could enter the room to see her our patients and their families without the
Our adult in-patient unit is running at husband. However, as she was clinically support of organisations such Rotary.
full capacity with over 50% of the patients vulnerable, the family decided the risk was "We can’t thank you enough.” l
being admitted with a positive COVID-19 too high and remained outside.
24 | Rotary | April / May 2021 rotarygbi.orgYou can also read
