Our Foundation

Over many years, a large number of Paul Harris Fellow Recognitions have been presented to Rotarians in this district and, generally, the club has financed this honour as an acknowledgement of the Rotarian’s worth to both club and community.

In some cases those Rotarians repay this debt to their club in terms of additional personal contributions to The Foundation but, sadly, in most cases this is not so. There are never any conditions attached to the awarding of a PHF and there never will be, even though the original concept was to recognise a personal contribution of US$1,000 to The Foundation. We tend to use the PHF scheme as recognition of a Rotarian’s valued contribution of effort and endeavour and I certainly wouldn’t like to see that change.

Having said all that, The Foundation’s generation of funds has to keep pace with the escalating needs of the world and perhaps we could consider increasing our level of activity in the area of personal giving. Many Rotarians in our district are already personally contributing but the vast majority are not. If your club has given you the great honour of PHF Recognition, and you haven’t yet started the process of personal giving to The Foundation, why not consider starting now. It can be something as simple as becoming a Centurion at a cost of A$100 per year, a Foundation Sustaining Member at US$100 per year, or a Paul Harris Society Member at US$1,000 a year. Some Rotarians might like to consider the possibility of becoming a Major Donor or a member of The Bequest Society.

There’s no end to the ways you can help our own Foundation and I’d be happy to talk to anyone who wants to start this exciting journey. Give me a ring if you think I can help or if you would prefer complete confidentiality, ring Terry Davies at the Foundation office in Parramatta on 9635 3537.

Best wishes

Bruce Allen
District 9680 Foundation Chairman