Rotary International: making a difference in West of Scotland
An organisation which sets out to make a huge difference to the lives of people in your community and beyond is looking for volunteers.
In March 2019 the BBC reported one in five people in Scotland were living in relative poverty. What will that number be in March 2021?
We were told charities in Scotland were facing an uncertain future, services are cut as COVID bites.
About 90% of the microplastics entering Scottish seas come from Scottish rivers, according to government statistics.
Poor mental health was reported to be an important public health challenge and significant mental health inequalities exist in Scotland.
Do these headlines make you want to act?
Rotarians are people of action; Rotarians have acted to deliver food parcels to those in need, raised over £4,500 by doing a 10 mile walk, doing a beach clean to reduce pollution, visiting the elderly and volunteering with vulnerable adults.
We do so much, but we could do so much more, with more volunteers. We need YOU to join our volunteer organisation and use your time, skills and knowledge on projects that improve YOUR local community, reduce child poverty, improve the environment or simply give local people something to smile about.
Rotary is fun and it’s made up of people who share your values and are friendly and welcoming. Register here to join our Zoom Webinar on the 8th of December at 19:30 to hear about the way Rotary in the West of Scotland is helping local communities and charities in the West of Scotland. We’ll also have some Christmas present and decorations suggestions to cheer you and your family in this difficult year.
Lynne Bateman (40) a mother-of-two heads up a team of more than 60 volunteers who are helping over 1,100 people through the pandemic.
“As a Rotarian I’ve been able to draw on support and guidance from fellow members of this great organisation. I would encourage any young people who want to help in their own locality or abroad to join your local Rotary. It could be the best move you ever make. “
Mariela Gaitan (35) joined Rotary's youth programme, Rotaract aged 21: "I joined Rotaract because I care about international development issues. Thanks to being part of a global network of volunteers, I have made friends from all over the world and that cultural exchange has been very meaningful for me. The leadership skills that I learned as a member of Rotaract and now Rotary have contributed to my personal and professional development."
Roddy Young, one of Scotland’s leading tour guides, is in his early 40’s. A Rotarian, Roddy, who in ‘normal times’ guides international visitors around Scotland, said: “Being in Rotary when most of Scotland is locked down people has made me concentrate on my local community. That’s one of the commitments of Rotary. It’s brilliant! There is a Rotary club in your community. Contact them now. Rotarians have fun helping others…..that’s what we do.”
Greg McLeod, (36), said: “Rotary has been great for my personal development – fundraising, event organising, public speaking and most of all networking and meeting people locally. Helping my local community through Rotary is so rewarding. What I’ve noticed is that there are many tremendous people in communities doing outstanding work. They are Rotarians they just haven’t joined yet.”
Rotary supports its members to achieve all they want to.
If you would like to be part of the action – come and join us, build a stronger, better society in the West of Scotland. We're open to all over 18 and you will be welcome.
Learn more from our Facebook Page or email us at [email protected]