We started the year with a lot of good intentions and I feel that we are about to end this year with the satisfaction that we have lived up to the expectations of one and all. I will hasten to reiterate that the Club has been successful once again this year, in the 13th year of its existence, due to the dedication and support of each member of our Club who shared the spirit of true Rotarians. This magazine will give you a glimpse of what we have achieved, and at the same time it should be a motivation for all of us to support each other so that we keep the torch of the Rotary Club of Vacoas glow even brighter year after year.

I received the support and encouragement of all my predecessors and the Past DGs and ADGs and their support has been instrumental in providing the energy and motivation to forge ahead. I take the opportunity to extend a special thanks to them.

We have also laid a landmark during this year by creating a Rotaract Club in Vacoas with 24 young dedicated members, something that will certainly remain as a reference of our success as a young Club. With just 13 years of existence we are proud to have successfully sponsored two new clubs within the last two years.

Like all organizations and family we have had to face some sad realities of life that often leaves an imprint on us that we cannot forget, but learn to live with it. We in fact lost a very good friend and Rotarian, Heman Gunness, a charter member who left us all at the prime age of 42. He provided us with so much joy and fellowship that we cannot but cherish the little time that he spent in our company as a true Rotarian, both at heart and in action.

We are determined to forge ahead and do our best by engaging in service to our fellow citizens. This year we have been particularly concerned with the community, the family and translating the motto of the Rotary International President Migiagbe, ‘Lend a hand’ into action. We are happy to belong to an organization that has considerable experience to service to the community extending over 166 countries with a membership of over 1.2 million. Next year we are celebrating the 100th year of existence of Rotary in the world. We shall strive to make it yet another memorable year for Rotarians of Vacoas and for the citizens in our community at large.

Long live Rotary Club of Vacoas, long live Rotary the world over.