District Governor’s Message
The Definition of Hope: a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. With this being that special time of the year, when holiday celebrations dominate the calendar, and where there is much celebrating, hope sometimes takes on a different meaning. For many of us, we have memories of “hoping” to receive a special gift or present, or “hoping” to see a family member we have not seen in some time.
For so many in our communities and around the world, Hope can feel like a foreign word. That there is no feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen, especially if that thing is a good thing. There is no expectation of receiving that special gift, or seeing that special family member. For many, there may be no expectation of having a delicious holiday meal, or of even having enough to eat. For many, there is no expectation of having a place to celebrate or even live. For many, there is not even the prospect of a living in a peaceful community or country.
In short, there is a great need for “Hope” in our world. One does not need to look very far to find where Hope is needed.
And that is where we, as Rotarians, come into the picture. This year, RI President Gord McInally, asked us to “Create Hope in the World”. To bring optimism to those most in need.
-Scott Marcin
And in the few months that I have been travelling around the District as District Governor, attending meetings, joining in on some fund raisers and other community service projects, that is exactly what I have been seeing Rotarians do. And quite honestly, I think that Rotarians have always been bringing Hope to our communities and communities around the world. And that is truly the essence of what we do as Rotarians.
From the filling of food pantries, the donations of warm clothes, the support of our students, the welcoming of refugees to our towns, and our care for our environment, Rotarians are creating hope, making differences and lasting changes.
So, as we continue through the Holiday Season, the Season of Light, and the Season of Hope, know that all the projects we undertake in our clubs will be reaching those most in need of that feeling of Hope. Your efforts will give someone that light of optimism when they most need it.
As a special ask, it is my wish that we continue to Create Hope in the World, each and every day; that we especially take a moment to reach our to those people most in need of some hope, those who may be suffering from loneliness, loss, depression, or anxiety, and ask “How are you doing, really?” It is in those actions that we will truly bring our the spirit of the Season, and the spirit of Rotary, and will have Created Hope in the World!