Rotary Serving Humanity. That's the theme this year for Rotary Club members across the world. Club District Governor Rod Riopel addressed the Portage Rotary luncheon today and shares what the theme's all about.

"We talked about Rotary's theme this year. Each year we have a new theme, and this years it's Rotary Serving Humanity. It's been the cornerstone of Rotary since it started, from all the different projects we do. Our motto is Service Above Self. Each Rotarian believes they can make a difference, give back to their community, share with the world, and serve."

He shares an example of how they're serving mankind

"In Sri Lanka, when our past Rotary International president went into the country they asked the rebels fighting a civil war if they would grant a ceasefire. The rebels agreed their war was not with children, but with adults. And they granted a three-day ceasefire so Rotarians and their teams could go in an immunize the children against polio."

In effect they stopped a war for three days.

He notes their fight against polio is down to two countries. Riopel explains to be declared fully polio-free a three-year term must pass with no reports of the malady. This means Rotary's still there and will finish the job. He says there are three or four cases in each country.

He adds Portage has been a great support in Rotary and appreciates all they do in making a difference.