IU Day - Polio Zero by Interactors of Sri Cempaka

The Interactors of Sri Cempaka held a commendable event for International Understanding Day. Dressed in light green tees with a picture of the globe and below it, their theme 'Polio Zero, A World Without Polio', they and the school children, teachers and Rotarians came together to support Rotary International's efforts on the eradication of polo worldwide.

Since 1985, Rotary has been in the forefront in this monumental task. Together with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and  other world health bodies, this partnership is close to eradicating a health scourge. With extra push, India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan that are still ridden with polio will one day be free.

PDG Dato' Mustapha Ma gave an inspiring insightful speech on END POLIO NOW. Next a video followed showing Bill Gates advocating all Rotarians to continue the fight against polio.

Not only did the Interactors raise some money through the sale of cookies, sandwiches and drinks. To an appreciative audience, they entertained us with much music on their electric and classical guitars. We were taken on a tour of  their exhibits  and games - polio related. Though polio is eradicated in Malaysia,  nevertheless, to make it a worldwide reality, like seeing the last of smallpox, it takes not only a country but all countries to be vigilant and work together to win the fight against this preventable disease. So, Interactors, it was a great day. We're proud of you. Well done!

Congrates too to the good work by the outgoing BOD and we wish the new BOD  a great year of service ahead.

Bill Gates' message to Rotarians and the world  on the push for eradication of polio worldwide.

PDG Dato' Mustpha Ma had an attentive audience

Facts about poliomyelitis

Video showing  polio incapacitated victims

Ring them and learn how polio virus spreads

Shooting skittles down  and learning about polio at the same time

Blindfolded, I found my way to a country that needs the polio vaccine. 

Cupcakes, sandwiches  and cookies - all for Polio Zero project

Hall filled with Interactors

Recognition of the outgoing Board of Directors

New President of the Interact Club of Sri Cempaka

Impressive musical entertainment by Cempakans - so much support from the youths who sang their hearts out .

A favourite 'Don't Know Why' being sung by Sharifah

Support  from Rotarians : PDG Dato' Mustapha Ma, AG Michael Foong, Pres.Mohamad Abdullah,  Director New Generation, Ian Homer, PP Esther Tan, Director PR Keats.

SSMH Charity Bazaar - 'Do Good To Feel Good'

SSMH's Charity Carnival 2012 tagline ' Do Good To Feel Good ' at the recent  bazaar on 7 and 8 July reached out to many in their fund raising event at  BSC ( Bangsar Shopping Complex).

 With my hubby and daughter, we enjoyed the rousing launch of the bazaar. There was an amazing display by the Malaysian YoYo Club members with their tricks and manoeuvres. Local singing celebrities, Amirah Ali and Sheila Majid did their bit to heighten the festive mood. The 'supreme' moment dawned when Darth Vader and the Imperial Guards strode on stage with President Fadillah Yakin and with a clean cut of the lightsaber blade of the red ribbon, the event was declared open. The Star Wars characters of the 501st Legion Malaysia Outpost was a hit among the  patrons of the shopping complex.

There was something or other for well wishers to buy to support the cause - be it pearls, accessories, clothes, tupperware, cakes and snacks. The  many stalls offered a variety of stuff for the two day event.

Do visit  SSMH ( Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped) website to find out more about this wonderful voluntary welfare organisation  that helps families to cope with  their special kids and give kids a better life despite their disabilities. All monies raised  go towards  the training and care of the severely mentally handicapped children.

http://www.ssmh.org.my/

 Let the lightsaber do its work!

With Leela, a great supporter of SSMH

All for a good cause - donation box passed around as Sheila Majid sang.

StormTroopers in action  too

More than happy to sing and add to the coffers of SSMH

Curry puffs were a hot item

Stalls offered a variety of goods to add to the festivity of the bazzar.

ReLaunch of Rotary Time Capsule Monument

In a quiet enclave of Dataran Merdeka, smack in KL city centre,  history was recreated on a lovely sunny Saturday morning of  19 May, 2012. Rotarians from District 3300, VIPs and the media gathered to witness the relaunch of the Rotary Time Capsule Monument.

Back in year 2000, on June 26th, the Rotary Time Capsule was launched by the late District Governor, Dato Dr Jaafar Mohamed Ali. The project was funded by 57 clubs and Dato Jaafar Ali. This momentous event is the pride of Rotarians.

The idea was mooted to honour contributions by past Rotarians. Alas, over time vandalism has marred the site.  DG Dr S Raveendra, RY2011/12 decided to relaunch the Rotary Time Capsule. Renovations were carried out and the date was set after TRF ( The Rotary Foundation) Awards Night at Bukit Jalil Golf and  Country Club. We were honoured by the presence of the Federal Territory and Urban Well- Being Minister, YAB Rtn. Senator Datuk Raja Nong Chik who  officiated the ceremony. Among the VIPs were Rotary International Director, Sekhar Mehta , and the ex- mayor of KL, Tan Sri  Dato'Kamaruzzaman. Indeed the presence of  Kamaruzzaman was poignant as it was during his tenure that the Time Capsule was laid.

Bangsar Rotary Club took charge of organizing the event. With this launch, Raja Nong Chik  awarded the site a new name, Rotary Square. On a tall cylindrical column stands the huge Rotary wheel . Yes, we are proud of this landmark and we want the world to know us and our great organisation. We hope the public and tourists alike will visit the site.

We were happy to witness this  historic event. It will be a hundred years on before posterity opens up the site and reveal to all the legacy left behind by Rotarians. Bulletins, memorabilia from all the Rotary Clubs will tell our story and hopefully inspire future Rotarians to serve and make the world a better place.  Needless to say, time would have passed us by and we would all have said our goodbyes for good!

Long live Rotary!

At Rotary Square

Balloons to celebrate the event

Eyes on the Time Capsule site

President Suki with Anne Marie Larquier, Ambassadorial Scholar from Alaska

FT and Well- Being Minister, YAB Rtn. Senator Datuk Raja Nong Chik 

Tan Sri Dato' Kamaruzzaman, former Mayor of KL and Inernational Director, Sekhar Mehta

In his address,Sekhar Mehta praised the  government for recognising the wonderful work of Rotarians and giving prominence to the Rotary logo in a prominent  part of Kuala Lumpur.

DG Dr S .Raveendra presenting token of appreciation to Sekhar Mehta

Soaring higher and higher. May Rotarians achieve their ideals

Some food  after the launch. Time to meet and make new friends.

Our Wheel - Rotary International