The 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. 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.

Recent donations include:

• Little Faces, school in Kenya. https://littlefaces.org/
• Great Football Giveaway http://www.thegreatfootballgiveaway.org.uk
• Medical Aid for Palestinians https://www.map.org.uk
• Practical Aid
• Lend with Care projects in Ecuador, Vietnam, Africa, Peru, Philippines
• Khandel-Light
• Jaipur Limb
• Sight Savers
• David Nott Foundation

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 Lend with Care.

Some of the other projects we have supported in the past include:

• 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 outside 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 Howson’s 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. Last year it took place on 25th February. The guest speaker was the Dean of the Latin American Ambassador and Vice Chairman of the International Maritime Organisation, His Excellency Ivan Romero and his wife Miriam Nasser. The evening was also attended by the Mayor of St Albans and Rotary District members. A group of dancers from Latin America delighted the attendees in a colourful costumes and music.

Swedish Exchange - Hoor Visit

We have a longstanding relationship with Hoor Rotary Club in Sweden. They visit us every other year and we visit them in between. Full of surprises these visits include dinners, competitions and music items as well as trips to interesting venues nearby.

Visit from the Rotary Club of Guernsey

Recently 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.

Donate