|
|
|
|
|
Rotary International President
|
| |
President Wilfrid J. Wilkinson's TRAVELOGUE
Rotary Shares — Wilfrid J. Wilkinson, RI President —
"Go forth from
here and serve. Help and guide your clubs, sharing with them your
strengths."
July 2007
I began my year as president-elect with great anticipation, but the
past 12 months have been more remarkable than I realized they would
be. I can only imagine what my year as 2007-08 RI president will be
like. As RI president, I look forward to serving Rotary to the best of
my abilities.
During my year as president-elect, I acted as an ambassador for Rotary
International. Everywhere I went, I shared with others information
about the amazing humanitarian efforts Rotarians are involved in every
day.
One of my most memorable meetings as president-elect was in February
2007 with Pakistan’s president, Pervez Musharraf. I was there to
accept the Sitara-e-Eisar Award (the Star Award for Courage and
Sacrifices), which was created especially for Rotary to recognize its
work in the aftermath of the South Asia earthquake that hit Pakistan
in October 2005. I was so proud of all the Rotarians who had responded
to that area’s need for assistance during that terrible time.
While I was there for the award, President Musharraf generously took
almost an hour out of his full schedule to talk with me. He praised
Rotarians’ efficiency in delivering aid after the earthquake and how
well Rotarians worked locally with the army.
We also discussed polio eradication efforts in Pakistan, which is one
of the four remaining polio-endemic countries. I was elated when
President Musharraf expressed his commitment to eradicating polio.
While I was the one lucky enough to spend time discussing these issues
with President Musharraf, it was really the work of the Rotarians that
was being recognized. Time and time again, Rotarians have accomplished
near miracles as they acted locally, but thought globally. I’ve always
believed that as Rotarians we don’t just sit around and talk about
helping others. As Rotarians, we share the love we have for our fellow
human beings, and we help whenever we can.
During the course of my president-elect duties, there were many places
where my wife, Joan, and I traveled that will always be etched in our
memories. We visited an Afghan refugee camp in Pakistan; toured a
Rotary eye bank in India; gave babies polio vaccine drops while in
Tanzania, Africa; and met fellow Rotarians in Beijing, China.
Another highlight of my president-elect year was the 2007
International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA. It was here to
all of the incoming Rotary governors that I first announced my theme
of Rotary Shares. From everything I’ve seen during my 45 years in
Rotary, and I saw it again at the 2007 RI Convention in Salt Lake
City, Utah, I know how true it is that Rotary Shares.
More times than I can count, Rotarians have shared their hospitality,
friendship, resources, and compassion with me. Now, in my presidential
year, it’s my opportunity to graciously return the favor. |
|
|
Downloads