International Service

International service projects are rooted in Rotary’s core mission of service above self and the belief that communities are stronger when people work together across borders. These projects allow Rotarians to address global challenges—like access to clean water, education, health care, and peace building—by combining local knowledge with international support. Just as importantly, international service builds friendships and understanding between cultures, helping break down barriers and foster goodwill worldwide.

 

The Cortland Rotary Club recently donated $500 to the Guatemala Literacy Project. The club has supported this worthy cause for Five years. We know that literacy education can break the cycle of poverty. Holding a rendition of the check sent to the GLP are Rotarians Don Petrosky (left) and Dennis Nisbett (right).

Rotaplast

The Club donated $200 to Rotaplast, a Rotary-backed charity that supports surgery for children with cleft lip and cleft palate. L-R, Rotarians holding the check, Don Petrosky and Dennis Nisbett.

In association with World Polio Awareness Days, (Oct. 22 is Post Polio Syndrome Day and Oct 24 is World Polio Day), Rotary clubs in District 6650 are hosting a fundraising event for End Polio Now. Success of the program is driven by Rotarians. The Purple Pinkie Donut Project has earned more than $4.7 million in donations to End Polio Now around the U.S.

 

In countries where the threat of polio remains high, every child under five years receives polio vaccine by mouth twice a year during the events called "National Immunization Days."

When vaccinating millions of children in a very short period of time it is impossible to document which child has received the vaccine, so every child vaccinated has the little finger (pinkie) nail of their left hand painted with an indelible purple marker.