Dear Rotarians,
Dear Rotaractors
We are all impressed when we see the scale of
projects Rotary can accomplish and the impact we can achieve together. A club
with just 60 members can organise an event for several hundred people, finance
a major initiative, or raise remarkable funds to support society and those in
need. How is this possible? The simple answer is collaboration — Unite for
Good.
Let me share three inspiring examples of
fruitful collaboration between clubs and our Foundation.
I had the pleasure of attending the PTA-Village
concert in Biel on 24 August. The PTA-Village project is an ambitious
initiative in Biel whose goal is to create a community where people with and
without disabilities can live together. To support this project, all service
clubs in the Biel region — including Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions — joined forces
to organise a magnificent concert that raised significant funds. The event featured the ZELT Choir and the Swiss Army Symphony Orchestra. This was a
wonderful example of what can be achieved through inter-club collaboration and
creative thinking. A warm thank-you to our Assistant Governor Anna Ravizza,
the key person who made it happen.
Another example is the Rotary Cycling World
Championships, held in Geneva on 6 September. All Rotary Clubs of Geneva
were involved in organising this exceptional event, which brought together
cyclists from all over the world. It was a fantastic competition marked by
great teamwork, an inspiring atmosphere, and a joyful closing dinner. Without
collaboration, such success would never have been possible.
Finally, I would like to mention the RotaryFoundation and, in particular, Global Grants. These projects are
built on collaboration between clubs from both the host and international
sides. Together, they initiate and deliver large-scale, meaningful projects.
Along the way, they overcome challenges such as cultural and linguistic
differences, varying habits, and even climate conditions. Our Foundation
provides the financial support that makes these ambitious projects possible.
Jouni K. Heinonen
District Governor 2025-2026
