The great vigor of Taiwanese society can be observed from the performance of local branches of Rotary International.
In a bid to help those in need, Rotary International District 3480 has demonstrated its capacity for increasing the number of new Rotary clubs, adopting new members and raising Rotary foundation funds, members said.
The members of District 3480 will be recognized by President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮), who will both be keynote speakers at a two-day conference held by Rotary International District 3480 tomorrow and Sunday. The conference will be held at the Grand Hotel in Taipei.
PHOTO: ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
At a press conference yesterday, Michelle Lin (林瑞容), the 2004-2005 governor of Rotary International District 3480, said that the diversity of non-profit organizations can be regarded as one indicator of the nation's humanity.
Lin said that over the last year, the turbulent global situation and the political turmoil in Taiwan did not discourage the members of the Rotary International District 3480.
"Compared to other districts in nearby countries, members of the district performed the best because they founded seven new Rotary clubs, increased the number of new members by six percent, and raised more funds than others did," Lin said.
Lin especially encouraged Le Yu-li (李玉麗), newly-elected president of Rotary Club of Kinmen, to assist in the establishment of local clubs in nearby Xiamen in the future, one of rapidly-growing cities in coastal areas in China. So far there are no Rotary International branches in China.
Rotary International Vice President John Germ said yesterday that it has been one the most influential organizations for uniting leading professionals.
"We've provided humanitarian services, encouraged high ethical standards in all vocations, and helped to build goodwill and peace in the world," Germ said.
Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 31,000 Rotary clubs in 167 countries. Since 1931, when the first Rotary Club was established in Taiwan, there have been 527 clubs started in seven districts. Today, there are 17,637 Rotary members in Taiwan.
Past district governor Chang Yu-hong (張育宏) said that the annual amount of donations by Taiwanese members is around US$2 million and its performance is second only to their Korean counterparts.
In addition to donations, Chang said that Rotary members also carry out hands-on service activities. In the wake of the devastating 921 earthquake in 1999, Rotarians in Taiwan donated more than NT$32 million, which has been used for several major reconstruction projects.
"We have many kinds of professionals voluntarily contributing to such projects involving assembling temporary housing in Hoping Township, Taichung County, and designing and constructing new school buildings in Nantou County," Chang said.
Recently, District 3480 has taken on direct community action during the Rotary Centennial Celebration by adopting the Rotary park, Jade Spring Park, in Taipei, participating the International Service Program for Kenya, building a Rotary Village in Phuket, Thailand, and relieving people suffering from the deadly tsunami in December. In February, Taiwanese Rotarians designed and published two sets of commemorative stamps with logos that include the word "Taiwan."
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