October holds two events close to my heart
Karen and I have noticed that every single club visited so far is concerned about mental health. Sometimes their focus is around the "No Ice" campaign and the effects of drugs on mental health, or rural Men's mental health, or that of Returned Soldiers. In October, I urge Rotary Clubs to raise awareness of these issues and also to make their annual donation to Australian Rotary Health. The other major Rotary focus in October is seeing the continuation of Rotary's commitment to the Polio eradication program.
1. World Polio Day 2021
Whilst COVID-19 is front and centre of everyone’s minds, we must not forget Rotary’s focus on eradicating polio. We are so close! World Polio Day is 24th October, and I encourage you to participate in this day in some way.
Polio eradication efforts have already made a major positive impact on our world. Since 1988, nearly 3 billion children have been immunized against polio, and nearly 19 million people are walking who would otherwise have been paralysed. Rotary has contributed more than $2.1 billion to global polio eradication efforts, and in 2021, there are currently just two cases of wild poliovirus confined to just two countries – Pakistan & Afghanistan. It is so important we maintain the momentum on both eradication and fundraising until we see the finality of this insidious virus.
#EndPolioNow
2. Australian Rotary Health, in particular Lift the Lid on Mental Illness, and The G’Day Network project.
Lift the Lid on Mental Illness is Australian Rotary Health’s national fundraising and awareness campaign for mental health research, and I would like for you to be involved in a small or large way!
They have appreciated our support in the past, and ask that we all help to Lift the Lid on Mental Illness on World Mental Health Day on October 10, or anytime during Mental Health Month this October, in one or more of the following ways:
Host a Hat Day party
Hat Day has been one of Australian Rotary Health’s successful fundraising events for many years, and we are still very willing to carry on this fun tradition under the Lift the Lid umbrella. To get involved in 2021, gather your friends/colleagues/club, pick out a hat, and register your event at hatday.com.au
Approach your local coffee shop
You can help to create awareness and raise funds for mental health research by asking coffee shops in your local area if they want to help. They can do this by placing a Lift the Lid collection tin on their counter, donating $1 per coffee sold, or asking customers if they would like to add $1 to the cost of their coffee as a donation.
Set up a Lift the Lid Awareness table at Bunnings Warehouse
Rotary Clubs are encouraged to contact their local Bunnings Warehouse store to set up a Lift the Lid Awareness table or sausage sizzle.
Do a Walk for Mental Wellness event.
These ideas are simple but effective.
Have a great month everyone…Rotarians are amazing people of action who truly do make a difference.
Rotary District 9560 Governor Martti Kankkunen