Rotary projects around the globe
August 2025
United States
To help people affected by the financial crisis of 2008, the Rotary Club of Summit County (Frisco) began serving a weekly dinner free of charge in the Colorado ski town. Sixteen years later, they haven’t stopped. In January, the club and its partners served their 200,000th meal. “The housing and mortgage crisis deeply affected people in Summit County, so in November 2008 I went to a nonprofit in the county and asked the director what was needed to help people through it,” says club member Deborah Hage. “For people displaced, living in their cars, or sofa surfing, there was no way for them to prepare meals with the food being distributed by the food banks and pantries.” On a typical Tuesday night, 100 to 500 people — children, families, retirees, and even donors who simply enjoy the camaraderie — come together to share restaurant-quality dinners and good company.
Canada
Dogs are feeling especially lucky in the Yukon territory thanks to the Rotary Club of Whitehorse-Rendezvous, which bakes, packages, and sells pet treats to raise funds. The club’s annual dog biscuit sale has generated about CA$3,000 since it began three years ago. Proceeds benefit the Mae Bachur Animal Shelter and the Food Bank Society of the Yukon in Whitehorse. “This fundraiser brings Rotarians together for enjoyable social occasions in our various homes, and local people love the biscuits for their dogs,” says Kevin Rumsey, immediate past president of the club. Rumsey’s mother created the recipe, which includes pumpkin and peanut butter. “We always sell out,” he adds. “We even deliver to people’s homes.”
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750.00,000+
Volunteer hours at Summit County dinners since 2009
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3.00.3 billion
Value of retail sales of dog food in Canada in 2024
Greece
In December, the Rotary E-Club of Greece began delivering wheelchairs to archeological sites and museums throughout the country. Through May, the e-club and three other clubs — Halandri, Preveza, and Psychico — had distributed 17 wheelchairs valued at $2,600. Benefiting institutions included the Aegean Maritime Museum on Mykonos, the Archaeological Museum of Patras, the ESIEPIN Press Museum, and the Museum of Cycladic Art. “This is a large-scale project covering almost all of Greece, with deliveries planned for 14 museums and archeological sites,” says George Stavropoulos, immediate past president of the e-club.
Rwanda
The Rotary Club of Kigali Golf is passionate about more than just hitting the links. Within months of its formation, the club began supporting programs to foster entrepreneurship within the deaf community and other underrepresented groups. In November the club delivered more than a dozen sewing, knitting, and textile heat-press machines to the Rwanda National Union of the Deaf and to Empower the Future, an organization supporting mothers of former street children. The equipment, valued at about $8,500, was paid for with member donations as well as a golf tournament (naturally). “We look forward to building a long-term partnership with the Rwanda Union of the Deaf, Empower the Future, and other organizations supporting marginalized communities,” says Tabvi “Mellow” Motsi, a member of the club’s public relations committee.
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2.00020
Wheelchair lift and special paths installed at the Acropolis
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9.00
Cooperatives for deaf people in Rwanda
Korea
In March, the largest wildfires in Korea’s history swept across the country’s southeast, scorching nearly 120,000 acres and forcing more than 37,000 people to evacuate. Rotary districts swiftly assessed the needs and delivered food, water, hygiene kits, and other essential supplies to shelters and affected communities. Rotarians were able to reach even more people in need through $100,000 in funding from The Rotary Foundation. Rotary members also assisted with clearing orchards and with home demolition in devastated areas. Some even provided heavy equipment, including to assist with reconstruction of the historic Gounsa temple in Uiseong. “Disasters like these strike without warning,” says Ung Seop Jeong, immediate past governor of District 3590. “No one is truly prepared, but Rotary is always there for the community.”
This story originally appeared in the August 2025 issue of Rotary magazine.