Tim Motts, President of Monterey Park Rotary, helped Rotary International bring the world to Montréal, Canada June 20th-23rd, when an estimated 17,000 participants from more than 150 countries and geographical areas joined together for the humanitarian service organization’s annual convention, often described as a “mini-United Nations” because of its internationality and diversity.

“The atmosphere at our International Convention was simply electric!  The Rotary Club of Monterey Park is honored to be a part of this global movement we call Rotary.  To see thousands of individuals dedicated to helping the worlds less fortunate live better lives, is truly something to behold.  After witnessing this year’s convention, the Monterey Park Rotary Club is dedicated more than ever to helping our Community thrive,” stated Motts.

This year’s speakers included peace advocate Her Majesty the Queen Noor of Jordan; Nobel Peace Prize nominee Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, a bestseller about his work to reduce poverty and educate girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan; and country music star and literacy advocate Dolly Parton.  Pre-convention events included a World Water Summit highlighting the many ways Rotary clubs work with other nonprofits and public agencies to address the global water and sanitation crisis. Water Summit keynote speakers included Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte, who established the ONE DROP Foundation; and Clarissa Brocklehurst, chief of UNICEF’s Water, Environment and Sanitation Division. “It has been said many times that you cannot truly appreciate the internationality of Rotary until you attend a convention,” said Rotary International President John Kenny, a native of Scotland.

Much of the convention focused on polio eradication, Rotary’s top priority for more than 20 years. Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have reduced the incidence of polio by more than 99 percent. To finish the job, Rotary is raising US$200 million to match a US$355 million challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The entire $555 million will support critical immunization efforts necessary to end polio once and for all. The annual convention also gives Rotary members the opportunity to share success stories, exchange ideas and renew acquaintances.

Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. Rotary’s global membership is approximately 1.2 million men and women who belong to more than 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Learn more at rotary.org.

The Rotary Club of Monterey Park meets Thursdays at 12:15 at Capital Seafood, 755 West Garvey Avenue, Monterey Park. For more information visit http://www.clubrunner.ca/CPrg/home/homeA.asp?cid=4711 or call (626) 573-2831.