Rotary is an international organisation. There are Rotary clubs throughout the world.

Our Club decided many years ago that we would use a significant part of the money we raise to support international charities and projects. Projects we support must benefit many people. We also try to have a good geographical spread and make sure that the money we donate makes a real difference. So we investigate projects where the financial scale isn't too large. In an ideal situation we have personal contact with the organisation that we are supporting and get good feedback about how the money has been spent.

We leave the running of these projects to the charity concerned.

So far this year we have given:

• £1180 to ShelterBox
• £500 to Khandelight
• £500 to Spotlight on Africa

and we have also agreed to support, subject to approval by the club:

• Farm Africa's work with marginalised women who farm goats in South Omo in Ethiopia with a donation of £500. This amount will be doubled by UK Aid
• Practical Action's work with "Planting for Progress" for subsistence farmers in Zimbabwe with a donation of £500. This amount will also be doubled by UK Aid

We are presently also considering various charities who ideally have a personal connection with one of our members or with Rotary itself, in a spread of countries that represent various continents and needs. We are looking at charities that rely on ongoing funding such as Jaipur Limbs who we have previously supported as well as those that aim for sustainability such as Land with Care.

Some of the other projects we have supported in the past are shown on our International Projects page.

• Mary’s Meals- providing meals to some of the world’s poorest children
• Spotlight on Africa- providing water, improving education and health in Uganda
• STAR- St Albans Refugees- assisting refugees from Yemen, Syria and Uganda
• The Jaipur Limb project which provides prostheses for those who have lost a leg due to mines or other reasons.

For new projects we normally invite the charity to send a speaker so we get a first hand opportunity to hear about it and ask questions.

We will work with other Clubs where it seems sensible to support larger projects together.

Toys For Children in Africa

Thanks to the Rotary Club of St Albans Verulamium connection...there is good news in a deprived area ooutside Mbale, eastern Uganda. Hundreds of brand new toys have been distributed through a local charity Spotlight on Africa to needy children (mostly orphans and vulnerable children) who had never seen let alone owned a toy.

One of our members, Geoff Harrison, was contacted by Marten Astley, the owner of a UK toy company. Martyn generously donated hundreds of toys to these needy children. Thanks to International Committee chair, Wendy Howsons contacts (as a trustee of Spotlight on Africa) we knew where the toys were needed. Work Aid in Chesham (a charity we have also supported in the past) arranged for transportation of the toys to Uganda.

The photos below really show how much these toys were appreciated

International Evening

Each year our club holds an International Meeting. This year it will take place on 26th February. Geeta Joshi will address us on Gujarat, India in a colourful, themed evening which will include Gurjarati cuisine, music and fashion.

Swedish Exchange - Hoor Visit

This year it is our turn to host the Hoor Rotary Club. Their visit will take place from 29 May to 2June 2019. An informative and entertaining time is being planned - full of surprises! There will be the usual dinners, competitions and music items as well as trips to interesting venues nearby.

Visit from the Rotary Club of Guernsey

From 3rd to 7th of December 2018 we had an enjoyable visit from the Rotary club of Guernsey who we had visited as a club the previous year. Some 20 members and partners explored St Albans Christmas market. historical sites and met with us for a combined dinner at Woollams.

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