Together with Bentley, our sweet greyhound and member of the PolioPlus Society Kennel Klub, I am proudly celebrating Rotary’s work to eradicate Polio all month long.
Also in our October newsletter, I want to share some thoughts on the interconnectedness of Rotary’s seven areas of focus, peace, and our fight against polio.
With the recent detection of poliovirus in Gaza, we have a stark reminder that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere. We also know that where conflict is present, routine immunization rates decrease and vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio, increase.
Peace as well as eradicating polio are cornerstones of our mission as a humanitarian organization. They also go hand in hand.
By carrying out Rotary service projects, we take action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, lack of access to clean water, food and resource insecurity, and lack of access to education. Our commitment to peace building has a direct effect on our ability to rid the world of polio.
I hope that on October 24, we join together to celebrate the incredible advances that Rotarians and partners have made against polio. We have reduced cases by 99.9 % since 1988 and only two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain endemic. Twenty million cases of paralysis have been averted through this global effort, and although very close, we won’t stop until we’re able to give children and families a polio-free world.
I hope each of you take pride in your impactful work as Rotarians. As “People of Action” we are making a profound difference promoting peace and preventing disease through projects carried out in the seven areas of focus. One idea, one project at a time, multiplied in 45,000 Rotary Clubs around the world. Truly amazing and worthy of celebrating.
HURRICANE HELENE - HOW YOU CAN HELP
Our thoughts go out to residents of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida recently affected by Hurricane Helena. This area is in our Rotary sister Zones 33 and 34 where many of us have friends and family, not to mention our fellow Rotarians and their neighbors that have been severely impacted with loss of lives, homes, and businesses.
A fund has been established where those who would like to assist recovery efforts by making a donation can do so. Information to make a donation is athttps://www.rizones33-34.org/disaster-relief/ . Funds are being collected at the Zone level which is a 501(c)(3).
Join the Rotary D5450 WASH Committee in its 15th annual WASH Symposium in Denver. This year’s theme is Nurturing Resilience: Transforming Challenges into Growth and will feature William Kamkwamba, Founder of Moving Windmills, whose inspiring story is told in his New York Times bestselling memoir The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and in the Netflix film adaptation. This symposium addresses pressing challenges facing communities around the world such as climate change, population growth, and emergencies and highlights the critical importance of building resilience in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives. Early Bird Pricing through Oct. 6th
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES AT THE DENVER INDIAN CENTER
Since 2010, Rotary clubs in District 5450 have provided service and financial support at the Denver Indian Center, Inc. - existing to assist native Indians and residents of the Westwood area, located on Morrison Rd. in southwest Denver. Recently the DICI has employed Brian Heider to work with organizations, like Rotary, that would like to physically and financially support the work of the DICI. Brian has created a list for needed assistance - click here to read the full story, access Brian's contact information, and see where you/your club can help out!
ROTARY ACTION GROUP FOR MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE UPDATE
We are pleased to announce that District 5450’s application for chapter membership in the Rotary Action Group for Mental Health Initiative has been accepted. The mission statement for this group is to “…break stigma, raise awareness, and increase capacity for treatment and prevention” providing a path to well-being. In the spirit of former RI President Gordon McInally’s question, “how are you, really?” this group will support the behavioral health initiativesof our local clubs, communicate innovative programs and best practices, and incentivize Colorado Rotarians to ask this question of both members and non-members alike. Click here to read more and get contact information to join the group or have them speak to your club.
2023-2024 DISTRICT AWARD WINNERS
Congratulations to the Rotary clubs and individual members who were chosen for the 2023-2024 District Governor, District and club awards. Rotarian of the Year is Harriet Downer (Denver RC) and the Paul Harris Rotary Club of the Year is Denver Cherry Creek. Click Here to view the full list of winners.
REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2025 RI CONVENTION
Calgary, Alberta, Canada | June 21-25, 2025
Registration is now open for next year’s Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada! Share ideas and inspire people at the 2025 Rotary International Convention! Do you have an idea or a project that you want to tell the wider Rotary community about? Breakout sessions at the Rotary International Convention can inspire participants, help them polish their leadership skills, and give them new ideas for projects, fundraising, strengthening membership, and more.
Follow the District's Facebook page to get up-to-date news and information about interesting things happening in our District and in Rotary around the world.Please follow us:https://www.facebook.com/District5450Rotary/
CLUB CONNECTIONS
ENGLEWOOD ROTARY FOUNDATION was recently gifted $100,000 to offer more scholarships tograduating students of Englewood High School and Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice. The $100,000 came from a Housing Authority scholarship effort that has been inactive in recent years.
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE in-bound students completed their annual 'Welcome to Colorado' hike to Rotary Peak on September 8, 2024. Thanks to Gary Meyers, Rotary Club of London Bridge, AZ (and annual summer regular at our Rotary Club of Summit County) for another outstanding video. The photo is at the top of the Continental Divide.
LITTLETON ROTARYis supporting Fostering our Youth, a free community forum on the challenges and opportunities for aging-out foster youth on Thursday, October 10. Event is free, but registration is requested.
ARVADA ROTARYdid two service projects in September to celebrate Community Service week, in collaboration with the other service organizations. Along with the Arvada Optimists, John Volp and Linda Nedved served lunch at the Hope House, and they helped with a joint road clean-up. The club was included in a Your Hub article.
There are lots of Club activities this month! Make sure to check out the CLUB EVENTS page and see all of the events happening around the District.
Post your story on your club's website or Facebook page, and then send the link to office@rotary5450.org.Doing so will give your club more exposure - readers will see the story on your club's site, which will let them know more about your club and members.
The Rotary Foundation helps Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
World Polio Day - October 24th
Dear Rotarians and Friends,
As we approach World Polio Day on October 24th, it’s essential to reflect on our ongoing commitment to eradicating this debilitating disease. Each year, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made, the challenges that remain, and the vital role Rotary plays in this global effort.
The Journey So Far
Since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, the number of polio cases has plummeted by over 99%. Once paralyzing hundreds of thousands of children each year, polio is now endemic in only a few countries. Thanks to the relentless efforts of Rotary International, the World Health Organization, and countless partners, we are on the brink of making history.
In District 5450, our members have contributed significantly to this mission through fundraising, awareness campaigns, and direct service. Our efforts have not only helped fund vaccinations but have also educated communities about the importance of immunization and disease prevention.
The Challenges Ahead
Despite our remarkable progress, the fight against polio is not yet over. Recent outbreaks in some regions remind us of the importance of vigilance and sustained effort. Political instability, vaccine hesitancy, and misinformation pose significant barriers to our mission. It’s crucial that we continue to advocate for vaccinations and support health systems worldwide.
How You Can Help
On October 24th, we encourage all Rotarians and friends to participate in World Polio Day activities:
Raise Awareness: Share facts about polio and Rotary's role in eradication on social media. Use the hashtags #WorldPolioDay and #EndPolioNow to amplify our message.
Organize Local Events: Consider hosting an event or fundraiser in your community to support polio vaccination efforts. Whether it’s a walk, a dinner, or a presentation, every bit helps.
Contribute: Donations to the PolioPlus Fund can make a significant impact. Every dollar you contribute helps protect children from this preventable disease. Become a Polio Plus Member for only a minimum donation of $100 per year! Polio Plus Society Member Pledge Form
Engage with Local Leaders: Use this opportunity to educate local officials and community leaders about the importance of polio eradication. Together, we can create a united front against this disease.
Looking Ahead
As we commemorate World Polio Day, let us remember the children who have been affected by polio and recommit ourselves to ensuring a polio-free world for future generations. Together, we can turn the tide and finish what we started.
Thank you for your continued dedication and support. Let’s keep the momentum going!