Ron Halicki is a ‘typical Rotarian’ in Zone 8, if there is such a person. A Rotarian since 2013 he served as the President of the Rotary Club of Seymour in 2017-18. What might not be typical about him is that he individually contributes to The Rotary Foundation and, as such, he is one of the 6,322 or 22.88% of Rotarians from across the Zone who personally contributed to the Foundation in 2023-24. Here’s why.

Article by PP Ron Halicki, Rotary Club of Seymour

I found that I was getting numerous unsolicited calls to contribute to this charity, or that charity and over the years I had made contributions to many of them. But after I had spent a year as the Club Foundation Chair and then as Club president, I began to reflect on the structure and work of The Rotary Foundation. It was then that I decided to concentrate my personal charity giving to OUR charity, OUR Rotary Foundation.

I wanted to know where and how my contributions were going and how they were being used. I wanted to know that my contributions were being fully utilized and not being used for administration, publicity, promotion and overheads that some charities have. Knowing that 92% of my contributions were being directly used on projects, both local and international, was an important consideration in my decision.

With The Rotary Foundation being rated so highly by Charity Navigator for its openness, governance and financial transparency and accountability is another factor favouring my decision. And I am happy that my contribution can be utilized on projects addressing our seven areas of focus, improving the lives of others, building peace and eradicating polio.

Another difference that I see with The Rotary Foundation is that I can have a say in how MY contributions are spent. This is unlike most other charities I know. My Club can decide on how it is spent through a grant that can be spent locally or internationally.

It doesn’t matter what the amount is that I give, be it $100, $200 or more. My gift is multiplied into something really meaningful through its investment and matching possibilities. The Rotary Foundation gives me the chance to make my small contributions turn into something much bigger, to be a part of a much larger humanitarian effort.  

Giving to The Rotary Foundation enhances my Rotary experience. The Rotary Foundation is my charity of choice. It’s OUR Foundation. Why wouldn’t you not want to be a part of it?