I have been in Rotary for 4 years. Every year, like many of you, my wife and I have donated to the Rotary Foundation and heard the stories of the good work the Rotary Foundation is able to do around the world because of these donations.
Well, let me tell you, donating and hearing about the good works is one thing. Actually participating and living with the people you are helping is many times more rewarding, and makes it much more personal and meaningful.
I was able to go to Haiti, to the central plateau region where Rotary has been drilling wells for the last 4 years. Our club is sponsoring wells in this region. On this trip we were able to attend the dedication of a new well to the community it serves. I was fortunate to be able to speak to the community, representing Rotary and could see first hand the joy and the end of worry in those parent’s faces. Now, they no longer have to worry about having safe drinking water for their family. It was an experience I will not forget. It was at that moment that I realized that Rotary does make a difference, and that giving of yourself, you truly do get more in return.
Later in our trip we dropped by an orphanage in the town of Pignon. It was near where we were building a new home for a Haitian family. The orphanage had 28 children living there. They all looked happy and healthy. The couple in charge of the orphanage explained to us what the children did on a daily basis; school, chores, etc. I asked what they ate, and they opened their pantry and you could have knocked us over by what we saw. Boxes and boxes of food from “Feed My Starving Children” from my home state of Minnesota, no less. So, all you Rotarians who package up food for Feed My Starving Children, I can assure you it is being put to good use in Pignon, Haiti. And, there are 28 very grateful children there who appreciate it.
This is what you go to see and experience when you leave the comfort zone of your local club. I challenge everyone to get a little uncomfortable and give until it hurts. You won’t be sorry.

Todd Bollig


Contact Info:
Todd Bollig
toddb60@hotmail.com