RDU magazine online

FROM WHERE I SIT
by Bob Aitken
Managing Editor
Rotary Down Under

I don’t often feel a need to criticise a decision by the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation (TRF) but their recent decision to dump the Low Cost Shelters program has not been well received by many Rotarians.

Low Cost Shelters have been one of the outstanding features of the TRF’s Humanitarian Grants Program in recent years and is one program that has the ability to really grab the attention of citizens throughout the world.
The program is a wonderful example of Rotary International holding out its hand to the “have-nots” of world communities!

The photograph and caption on the inside page of the most recent TRF annual report says it all . . . “A house makes a person a human being” . . . an inspirational quote from Sigmon Hutchinson of the Rotary Club of Crabtree, North Carolina, U.S.A.

This unfortunate news of the decision was announced to the Rotary world in a release from The Rotary Foundation early in May, headed “Important Updates to the Humanitarian Grants Program”. It stated: “The Trustees have decided to no longer support Low Cost Shelters due to decreasing interest in the program and the additional administrative cost needed to support each grant.

“Applications currently pending with TRF have until August 1, 2004, to be completed for consideration at the October meeting of the Trustees. Effective immediately, new applications for Low Cost Shelters will no longer be accepted.”

Several points from that announcement need answers . . .

Despite the fact of very little promotion, some 10,000 Low Cost Shelters have been built for families in 18 countries since 1997, an an average of 1,400 per year. Not a bad effort for a project with decreasing interest.

It is difficult to understand how any humanitarian grant costs more than another to administer, if efficient procedures are in place?

The important fact is that in Low Cost Shelters, Rotarians and Rotary clubs have a very tangible product to showcase when confronted with the question “what does Rotary do for average families?”

Our The Rotary Foundation is responsible for many special programs that raise the quality of life of the poor and underprivileged.

Low Cost Shelters is one such program.

If average Rotarians share my views on this topic, now is the time to write a letter or email the General Manager of The Rotary Foundation!

NEWS BULLETIN

Edens are a Rotary family:

The 2003/2004 Rotary year has been a memorable one for the well-known Eden family of Whyalla, S.A. Perry Eden was inducted as president of the distinguished Rotary Club of Whyalla not quite three years into his Rotary membership and some 27 years after his father PDG Glen in 1976. Whyalla was one of the 50 Rotary clubs in District 9500 which Glen Eden administered during his term as governor in 2000/2001. President Perry has enjoyed an outstanding year with the club. Members achieved record takings via its popular catering caravan and finishing the year on a high with a popular second annual Whyalla Rotary Ball recently raising funds for Rotary literacy projects and Riding for the Disabled.

The Eden family at President Perry’s induction as president of the Rotary Club of Whyalla, S.A., last year. From left, brother-in-law Stephen Hill, sister Fiona, Perry, father PDG Glen and mother Beverley.

Farewell Harley Tarrant:

Harley Tarrant, manager of the Rotary International South Pacific and Philippines Office in Parramatta, N.S.W., will retire in July. Rotary Down Under, in co-operation with the Rotary International South Pacific and Philippines Office and new manager John Tucker, is organising a farewell dinner to recognise Harley Tarrant’s outstanding service to Rotary International and the ANZO Region at Parramatta Leagues Club on Thursday, July 22, 2004.

The function will commence at 7.00p.m. and is open to Rotarians and partners, friends and associates and any other interested people. The evening will include a three course meal and tickets at $A50 each must be booked and pre-paid by cheque or credit card with Rotary Down Under, P.O. Box 779, Parramatta, N.S.W. 2124 or by telephone 61 2 9633 4888 in normal business hours.

Harley Tarrant has rendered sterling service to Rotary for more than 20 years, first as a senior service supervisor and, in recent years, as office manager. The Parramatta Leagues Club venue has a banquet capacity of 250 and Rotarians are urged to book early as seating is limited.

Death of Greek magazine editor:

Past District Governor Antonis Mastrantonis, of District 2470 in Greece, former editor of the Greek regional Rotary magazine Rotary in Greece, died on May 4. He recently served as a PolioPlus National Advocacy Adviser, with the Permanent Fund Committee for Europe, the Health Concerns Task Force and his District R.I. Convention Promotion Committee. Antonis was currently publishing Rotary Cosmos, a monthly email bulletin for the Rotary Club of Athinas-Notos. His family received tributes from all parts of the Rotary world.