District Gift of Life committee members are continuing their efforts to raise money for this year until the end of June 2026, Rotary’s closing date for 2025-2026. On the U.S. side, our efforts have increased and we have been fortunate to have a number of clubs donating. Some of these clubs are annual donors and others are becoming involved. Thus far, 19 clubs were visited in the U.S.At a meeting of the RC of Lancaster-Depew on 5/28, the club doubled its usual donation in order to take advantage of the challenge made by the RC of Clarence. Pictured in the attached photo is the presentation of their generous gift by President Robert Leary and Treasurer, Diane Terranova, to Pat Castiglia, GOL presenter. The RC of Clarence’s challenge is good until the end of June. They will match donations made by other clubs from the end of April to the end of June in the amount of $1500. To date we are only half-way to meeting the entire challenge.
A few clubs are scheduled for visits in June, and the U.S. Board members would like to increase visits for June. If you would like a presentation scheduled, please contact Pat Castiglia at ptc34@hotmail.com.
Canadian clubs have responded very well to the sale of chocolate hearts in their effort to raise money to support “the saving of little hearts around the world.” This remains a successful fund raiser for them with large sales to entities outside of Rotary as well as sales to Rotarians. Canadian clubs interested in having someone present on GOL should contact Cathy Henry at dhenry1@cogeco.ca .
The Board of Directors would like to report that this year we were able to donate to GOL International’s efforts to save children born with congenital heart problems in Bolivia. Bolivia is one of the core programs in the development of a sustainable pediatric cardiac program. They are not yet ready to “stand alone,” but are well on the way to achieve this goal. Our district contribution has been applied to the total amount needed to provide cardiac catheterizations for 24 Bolivian children who would die without surgery.