An investment for the future
Recently I visited the De Los Santos Medical Center in Manila, Philippines, and saw a congenital heart surgery, a project of RC Makati West. The club has been doing paediatric cardiac surgeries with the help of TRF grants over the last 19 years. In the pre-operative ward, there were 10 children waiting for their turn. Next to them were their mothers. The mothers’ eyes reflected two emotions — anxiety and hope. Anxiety about how the surgery would go, whether the child will become alright; and hope that at long last there is this organisation Rotary which has offered a chance to the children to get operated and live a normal life. Truly, TRF is all about hope. Hope for the sick, needy, illiterate and homeless. Hope of a better world.
One thing is certain. Foundation programmes work only when we support TRF. Too often we underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, a small act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. The Rotary Foundation goes beyond that smile, caring touch, kind word. Through global grants and other impactful TRF programmes we touch lives and transform communities.
TRF grants are taking Rotary in a new and meaningful direction. The impact of grants goes far beyond helping the beneficiaries. It helps to engage members, gives a positive public image of Rotary and is a great retention tool too. In short a multiplier effect.
As we celebrate the 119th anniversary of Rotary it is time to build on our past and step forward into the future. A future where Rotary is respected and more relevant than ever before. Thanks to TRF.
It is our responsibility to strengthen TRF by giving what we can every year. Remember the joy of giving lasts longer than the joy of getting. When you receive a gift the joy you get exponentially decreases, a phenomenon known as hedonic adaptation. But study after study shows that participants’ happiness did not decline when they gave a gift joyfully and unconditionally.
TRF is our investment for the future — the future of our children and their children; the future of our world. Lead the way in giving to TRF. Enjoy Rotary.
Dr Bharat Pandya
TRF Trustee Vice Chair
