From Russia with Rotary

GIVEN that Rotary International has its origins in the USA, Russia could be considered an unlikely country to adopt the philosophy and goals of this world-wide community service organisation.

However, recently, members and guests of the Rotary Club of Ballarat West were privileged to hear Dr. Vladimir Donskoy, co-founder of Rotary in Russia, speak about the establishment and growth of the organisation in his country.

In 1990 the first Rotary Club was established in Moscow. The 1990s was a period of great upheaval in Russia as the people grappled with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the transition from communism to capitalism.

A number of Russians who joined Rotary then did so in the hope they would be able to visit or live in the USA.

The Muscovites were also resistant to the concept of numerous clubs but the citizens of Dr. Donskoy’s home city of Irkutsk embraced the Rotary model of multiple clubs working individually and together, undertaking major projects in the community service area. Irkutsk is located in Eastern Siberia about halfway between Moscow and Vladivostok, 66 km to the west of Lake Baikal and about 5,200 km to the east of Moscow where temperatures in winter can get to minus 50C degrees. Siberia is often referred to as the, ‘End of Beyond.’

Dr. Donskoy also initiated a Rotary Exchange program for business students of the University of Irkutsk and sends students to English speaking countries America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and England, while accepting many exchange students from all parts of the world.

He also acknowledged the support given to two of his students by Ballarat West Rotary and how both were changed by their very positive experiences.

As of today there are 127 Rotary Clubs in Russia and 1,200 members involved in community service like providing books for orphanages, playgrounds and equipment for disabled children, and support for hospices along with a plethora of other projects.

They are facilitated though the local clubs along with participation from Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation programs.

In part thanks to the foresight and determination of Dr. Donskoy, and others, who believed in the Rotary philosophy of apolitical, humanitarian service and advancing goodwill and peace around the world.