June - Your Rotary Foundation 2025-26
Dear Rotarians of district 9685
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
As I write to you for the final time as your District Rotary Foundation Chair, I do so with immense gratitude, humility and appreciation.
For the past decade, it has been a privilege to serve as part of the District Rotary Foundation Team, including three years as District Grants Chair and the past three years as your District Rotary Foundation Chair. I sincerely thank every Rotarian and every club for your belief in Our Foundation – Our Charity – The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
As I write to you for the final time as your District Rotary Foundation Chair, I do so with immense gratitude, humility and appreciation.
For the past decade, it has been a privilege to serve as part of the District Rotary Foundation Team, including three years as District Grants Chair and the past three years as your District Rotary Foundation Chair. I sincerely thank every Rotarian and every club for your belief in Our Foundation – Our Charity – The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
Your generosity, as individuals and clubs, has enabled Rotarians to collaborate locally, nationally, and globally to create measurable and sustainable impact in communities around the world. Thank you for your trust, your support and your commitment to Doing Good in the World.
When I reflect on the impact we have achieved together through Global Grants, I am truly humbled. Over the past six years, our district has supported 140 Global Grants with a combined value of more than USD 12 million. Club members contributed over USD 1.29 million, supported by an additional USD 602,560 from Annual Fund contributions returned to our district through District Designated Funds (DDF).
These projects have reached communities in 27 countries, including Pakistan, Uganda, Ghana, Peru, Kenya, Nepal, Fiji and many more.
Our District Grants have also delivered extraordinary local and international impact. Together, clubs completed 196 District Grant projects valued at more than AUD 1.69 million, with the district contributing over AUD 608,000 through the Annual Fund, alongside more than AUD 1.08 million contributed directly by clubs. These projects spanned 26 countries, including Australia, Cambodia, South Africa, Tonga, Congo, and beyond.
Countless stories of hope, compassion and transformation deserve to be shared more widely. Yet when I look at the Rotary Service Project Centre, I still see only a handful of projects promoted. Each of us has a responsibility to tell Rotary’s story because these achievements belong to you and your clubs.
Through Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus, from disease prevention and clean water to education, child health, community development and protecting the environment, you are helping build a more peaceful world.
This Rotary year alone, District 9685 has contributed approximately USD 200,000 to the Annual Fund, enabling future District and Global Grants. However, as I write this, several clubs still have not contributed to the Annual Fund. I humbly request that all clubs and Rotarians continue to place The Rotary Foundation high on your list when considering your charitable giving. Every contribution, regardless of size, strengthens Rotary’s ability to serve.
This Rotary year alone, District 9685 has contributed approximately USD 200,000 to the Annual Fund, enabling future District and Global Grants. However, as I write this, several clubs still have not contributed to the Annual Fund. I humbly request that all clubs and Rotarians continue to place The Rotary Foundation high on your list when considering your charitable giving. Every contribution, regardless of size, strengthens Rotary’s ability to serve.
Ending Polio remains Rotary’s number one humanitarian priority. We made a promise to the children of the world, and together we will fulfil it. At a time when funding from governments and organisations is becoming increasingly uncertain, your support of the PolioPlus Fund is more important than ever. We have the vaccines, the knowledge, and the partnerships; we need to ensure every child is reached.
Our district’s PolioPlus giving currently stands at more than USD 62,000, with several clubs yet to contribute. I encourage both clubs and individuals to continue supporting this vital cause so that future generations know polio only as a disease from history books.
Our district’s PolioPlus giving currently stands at more than USD 62,000, with several clubs yet to contribute. I encourage both clubs and individuals to continue supporting this vital cause so that future generations know polio only as a disease from history books.
I also congratulate the clubs that have completed their District Grant projects this year. For those still finalising reports, may I kindly remind you to submit your final reports so that District Grants Chair PP David Rivett can process final payments and close the grants appropriately.
As I conclude my term, I would like to wish PDG Niranjan Deodhar and the incoming Foundation Team every success for the years ahead.
I remain available to assist any club or Rotarian with The Rotary Foundation and its programs.
I also look forward to my role as District Governor Elect, where I will have the opportunity to visit your clubs, listen, learn and better understand your aspirations for our district as I prepare to serve as your District Governor in 2027–28.
I also look forward to my role as District Governor Elect, where I will have the opportunity to visit your clubs, listen, learn and better understand your aspirations for our district as I prepare to serve as your District Governor in 2027–28.
Finally, thank you once again for your friendship, encouragement, guidance and support over these past 10 years. Serving alongside you has been one of the great honours of my Rotary journey, and I look forward to continuing to work together in service and fellowship in the years ahead.
I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the members of the District Rotary Foundation Team, past and present, for their cooperation, guidance,
friendship and unwavering support over the years. The work of the Foundation is never achieved by one person alone, and I have been fortunate to serve alongside a team deeply committed to stewardship, service and helping clubs maximise their impact through Rotary. Thank you for your dedication, your encouragement, and the many hours you have invested in supporting our clubs and communities. It has truly been a privilege to work with each of you.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Haran Ramachandran OAM
District Rotary Foundation Chair
Rotary District 9685
Haran Ramachandran OAM
District Rotary Foundation Chair
Rotary District 9685