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Guest Speaker Report Wednesday 17 November2010 by Rotarian Ian Johnson (reporter) Our guest speaker was PDG Warwick Tester who spoke to us about the Centurion Programme. Warwick was introduced by PDG Harley Tarrant. Warwick informed us that the Centurion Program was another way of giving to the Rotary Foundation apart from amounts contributed by members through their clubs. He said that “ Every year the Rotary Foundation touches the lives of millions of people, bringing hope where there is despair, sight where there is blindness, shelter where there is homelessness, nourishment where there is hunger, literacy where previously no schooling existed and providing hope for a polio free world”. Previously the required commitment was $US100 annually and the payment was not tax deductible. Now the annual commitment is $A100 and the payment is tax deductible. In our District well over $20,000 is provided to the Rotary Foundation each year through the programme. Warwick and his wife Lynne send out payment reminder notices to Centurions each year. The Rotary Foundation encourages participants to sign a direct debit authority. Warwick advised us that there are a number of “100% Clubs” in our District and he encouraged us to join that list. Warwick informed us that the funds contributed are invested for three years and then half the funds are returned to the District. He also said that “With the new District Simplified Grants, 20% of the monies returned to our District can be used to assist our own communities”. Warwick was thanked by David Martin. |