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Rotary district governor visits Estevan

Rotary clubs around the world continue to make a positive impact through their service and their hard work. But they also need to be more willing to promote their service.
Rotary pic
Rotary district governor Rod Riopel spoke to the Rotary Club of Estevan at a meeting on Aug. 31.

Rotary clubs around the world continue to make a positive impact through their service and their hard work.

But they also need to be more willing to promote their service.

That was the message from Rod Riopel, the governor for Rotary District 5550, which includes the Rotary Club of Estevan. Riopel, who hails from Kenora, Ontario, , was in Estevan on Aug. 31 to speak to local club members about the good work the service group is doing around the world.

Riopel touted this year’s theme, Rotary Serving Humanity, and how it reflects the ideals of the organization. He noted there are 1.2 million Rotarians around the world who gather to share ideas, enjoy fellowship and improve the lives of others.

This year’s theme represents a cornerstone for the club, he said. For example, Rotary’s Shelterbox disaster response workers can be at a disaster site within 24 hours, much faster than government workers.

“It’s all because of the relationships of Rotary,” said Riopel. “We can bypass the bureaucracy. It still has its challenges, but because of Rotary, we can make it happen.”  

Riopel reflected on a story that he heard at a district governor’s international convention in San Diego in January. Rotarians were looking to give the polio vaccine to children in a part of Sri Lanka affected by war. The government blocked the Rotarians from entering the war-torn area, but the rebels offered a three-day truce so the Rotarians could enter.

“We belong to an organization where we literally stopped a war for three days,” said Riopel.

He also believes this year’s theme fits perfectly with Rotary’s overall motto of Service Above Self.

Rotary projects have created wells to improve drinking water conditions and access to water. They have also built schools to boost education and literacy among children.  

“These kids are going home and teaching their parents how to read. What a difference you make in a person’s life with literacy,” said Riopel.

But Rotary needs more members with a purpose, who are willing to fulfill Rotary’s mandate of service.

Riopel encouraged the local club members to promote the club and all it does for the community and the world. He’s pleased local Rotarians host popular events in the community and help out with events hosted by other organizations.

He also stressed that clubs need to be progressive with how they handle members. Some members can’t make meetings, but they’re always there to support the club or help out with the projects.

“Retention is very big in Rotary, because normally people join with the purpose,” said Riopel. “When I joined, I had no purpose. I did what I was told. But to continue to grow, we need people who have a purpose.”

He encouraged the members to continue to support the Rotary International Foundation to continue the polio eradication efforts. He has heard some amazing stories about the impact that ending polio has had in developing nations.

Riopel would also like to form an e-club during his term. It would allow people to remain in Rotary if they have to step aside for personal reasons, of if they can’t attend meetings. It’s another way in which Rotary could attract more members, and have a greater global impact.