Vocational Training teams-forging friendships, changing lives

Three countries, three Rotary clubs and forty-two years of membership is how Douglas would sum up his Rotary journey.
Three countries, three Rotary clubs and forty-two years of membership is how Douglas would sum up his Rotary journey. Now settled in Ontario-Canada, it was his early start in Rotary, while in Scotland, when he developed his deep appreciation for Rotary’s vocational training program. An early contributor in creating the reference manual and systems to support Group Study exchange in his Rotary district, this program has now evolved into The Rotary Foundation Global Grant -Vocational Training Teams (VTT) model. It offers a hands-on approach to groups of professionals who travel either to learn more about their vocation or to teach local professionals about a particular field.
 
He and spouse Gail witnessed first-hand, just how life changing and lasting those relationships can be. “We had great fun” says Douglas, when asked about his experience, and passionately explained that the exciting aspect of it all was meeting people from other countries, getting to know them, see them grow and learn. Knowing also that they can return home and share all those benefits gained with their own community. It has sustainable impact on all of those involved.
 
Their respect and admiration for the many Rotary volunteers who donate their time and talents to complete these projects and programs allows for minimal administrative costs, affirming their decision to donate a major gift to the Rotary Foundation. Their named endowment will provide spendable earnings exclusively to support Global Grant VTT teams across all of Rotary’s seven areas of focus. It is a legacy gift that will benefit many lives, touch many Rotary clubs and a decision that they and their family are proud of. Douglas summed it up nicely when asked about “why donate to the Rotary Foundation?” he said, “it is the best bang for your buck at the end of the day.”
 
To learn more about Vocational Training teams or how your major or planned gift can be directed to this Global Grant activity, please contact your Rotary District Foundation Chair or Canadian staff for the Rotary Foundation-Senior Major Gift Officer: Carolyn Ferguson Carolyn.ferguson@rotary.org