Members of the Rotary Club of Hermosillo Milenia, District 4100, Hermosillo, Mexico, traveled to SaddleBrooke to officially join with the Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke as “Sister Clubs.” They received a warm welcome from the year-round members of the SaddleBrooke Club.07
Kristi Halvorson, Harvey Smith, and Barbara Barr Bengen
May 22 was a red-letter day for The Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke, District 5500, Tucson, Arizona, USA, and the Rotary Club of Hermosillo Milenia, District 4100, Hermosillo, Mexico. The two Rotary clubs have officially agreed to join together as “Sister Clubs” for three years. This exciting partnership, approved by the boards and members of both clubs, reflects a shared vision and commitment to service, international friendship, and cultural exchange.
President Wendy Guyton of SaddleBrooke and President Tere Ruiz of Hermosillo signed this Sister Club Agreement. The agreement outlines three key objectives that will guide their collaboration:
* To promote and embrace fellowship
* To promote and participate in Joint Community Projects
* To exchange Club news through Club Bulletins/Newsletters and other means
Grounded in mutual respect and shared values, these goals will help foster a deep and lasting bond between the two Rotary clubs as they combine forces to make a difference.
Both clubs are partners in the Arizona Rotary Microcredit Program, which provides small loans to qualified businesspeople in Hermosillo, Mexico. In particular, the program supports widowed or divorced women who have no financial support for survival. Working with a bank in Hermosillo, the vetted individuals can apply for loans to start a small business. These small businesses work within a group to support one another and ensure repayment of the loan. The success of this opportunity has been outstanding and offers a hand up rather than a handout.
The Sister Club relationship is more than just a formal agreement. This is a pledge to work together as we reach across borders to create positive change. By combining resources and expertise, both clubs can maximize their impact while broadening their understanding of each other’s cultures.
“Service Above Self” is not just a motto to Rotarians. It’s how we live. By working together, Rotarians can make a greater difference—locally and globally.
There are many ways Rotarians make a difference. In addition to service projects and collaborations with non-profits to serve others, we gather in fellowship at 11 a.m. on Thursdays at the Ranch House located at SaddleBrooke Ranch. Following lunch, we adjourn to the Sol Ballroom to organize our service projects and learn from an educational program.
Rotary is open to those who live or work in this area. We welcome visitors to join in the fun at our service projects. We also welcome guests to join us for lunch or visit our club. If you would like to learn more about Rotary or get to know us, contact Diane Demeroutis at rotarysbaz@gmail.com. Or check out our website at saddlebrookerotary.com.