Stories are to inform where money is spent

I feel the author of “True charity asks for no rewards” (Letters, November 14) needs a little clarification on what charitable organisations do and why.

I belong to a worldwide charity called Rotary International, which works closely with the United Nations,WHO etc. Our organisation has 32,000 clubs around the world. And with the support of these people, businesses and ordinary folks within our communities, have, with their help managed to almost eradicate polio throughout the world!

Natural disasters that happen, one of the first charity organisations there is Rotary International. We submit articles everywhere including local papers, not for personal satisfaction but to keep the public informed, for without them we would be unable to help “those less fortunate than ourselves”.

The publicity has to be “put out there”, everyone has a right to know that the money that they have given is accountable and transparent. Rotary members by the way are volunteers, every penny we receive to help us continue with our work is put back in. Our time and effort is our contribution!

Publicity helps us, by making people more aware of those who need help and is also a tool for us to encourage those who do not know us to also, hopefully contribute too! Oh and by the way, we give food parcels, toys, blankets etc as well and believe me who ever gives them for what ever reason, they are desperately needed! So thank you, who ever you are!

Our Rotary motto is “Service Above Self”.

GILL REID
Past President of Ballito Rotary Club