Taipei, Dec. 7 (CNA) Rotarians in Taiwan have made a great contribution to Taiwan society and communities over the years, Rotary International President William Boyd said in an interview with the CNA Thursday.
Taiwanese Rotarians donated an average of US$138 per person per year to the Rotary Foundation, which is one of the highest figures in the world, Boyd said on the first day of his three-day visit to Taiwan. He added that membership in Taiwan has been growing strong, with a 10-percent increase this past year.
The most satisfying fact, according to Boyd, a New Zealander who is visiting Taiwan for the first time, is knowing that Rotarians in Taiwan have been helping communities and people through collaboration with government agencies and various organizations.
Boyd made the comments on the heels of an anti-drugs and anti-AIDS campaign in Taipei.
Rotary International is an organization of more than 32,000 Rotary clubs located in more than 200 countries. Its members are known as Rotarians. The purpose of the group is to bring together business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace around the world.
Boyd, who was invited to join the Rotary club in 1971, said he has always been interested in helping people. Being a Rotarian has helped him expand his vision and get involved in many international events. As the current president, he has been able to travel with his wife Lorna to different countries and meet different people, he said.
In Uganda, Boyd met a young man who lost his arm in an accident and was later able to make a living as a cab driver after receiving an artificial arm, which was donated by a Rotary club and cost only US$50.
"It's amazing to see what a difference a little effort can make," he said.
Boyd, whose term as president will end in June 2007, has made "water, hunger and health" the three main areas for Rotarians around the world to work on in 2006 and 2007. Stressing his philosophy of "local Rotary clubs know best," Boyd said that he only sets a general direction and then lets local clubs make decisions on specific areas they want to work on.
Boyd said he believes Rotary International's role will increase in the future, adding that it is gratifying to see so many international organizations, such as UNICEF, actively approach Rotary International for collaborate on projects.
What Rotary International can do to help the world is not limited to its 1.2 million members, Boyd said, pointing out that several of the organization's programs involve women and youth as well and that Rotarians usually bring their family members along to participate in community services.
"The future of Rotary International is looking as good as ever, " Boyd said.