Rotary Club of Fajara holds fundraising gala

Rotary Club of Fajara, an affiliate of Rotary International, a worldwide association of rotary clubs recently held its 10th annual fundraising Gala dinner at the Jerma Beach Hotel in Kololi.

The club, among others, aims to provide services to people, promote high ethical standards, advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through its fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.

Speaking at the Gala dinner, the President of the Rotary Club of Fajara RI District 9100 Musu Kebba Ceesay Paul Harris Fellow, said the gathering was meant to celebrate the success registered by the club over the last 10 years and to raise funds to continue supporting humanitarian and selfless services to the communities.

According to her, Rotary is a global network of community volunteers, who are business professional and community leaders, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

"Over 32,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas initiate service projects to address today's challenges, including illiteracy, health, hunger, poverty and environment concerns," she added.

She revealed that today the club has more than 1.3m Rotarians around the world in 500 districts, who dedicate their time, knowledge and resources to the vision and mission of Rotary, which is 'doing good to the world,' hence the club's motto "Service Above Self".

Madam Ceesay stated that every year, Rotary International, the parent organisation of all Rotary clubs selects a new theme, which does not only renew their commitment to achieve the mission of Rotary, but also gives a new and clear direction on the focus areas and actions Rotarians should take.

She added that during the year 2009/2010, the Rotary club of Fajara, in collaboration with its partner Rotary clubs in the UK, USA, Denmark, Netherlands, Switzerland, has completed a series of rotary activities and events.

"In May 2009, we presented a solar lighting system to St John's School for the deaf, at a tune of USD53, 000. This project was, in collaboration with 6 rotary clubs in Denmark and Gudrun Awa Jorsing. In Sept 2009, we presented a Cervical Cancer machine to the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital costing GBP12, 000," she revealed, noting that the cervical cancer machine was sponsored by a Rotarian and friend of Rotary Club of Fajara, Dr. Theo and Mathilda Keller in Switzerland.

She also stated that in October last year, the club presented medical items worth USD30, 000.00 to the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, which he said, was done in collaboration with Dr. Theo and Mathilda Keller in Switzerland.

"Also in November last year, we organised a Career Day for youths, where 20 schools in the Greater Banjul Area participated and benefited from," she said, adding that it gave the students the opportunity to see, hear and discuss career opportunities and requirements with professionals, businessmen and women.