What could be more fitting than having the month of December designated by RI as Family Month when families and friends come together to celebrate humankind, renew friendships and/ or make new ones and, generally, just to have fun. Involving families in our Rotary activities gives them an insight on what we, Rotarians, are doing which then creates interest on both sides. From my spouse's point of view, a Rotary club is treated as a fellowship club that gives spouses and children the opportunity to extend or expand their group.

In my club, we find our “Sunshine Committee” to be well appreciated by our Rotary families. Organizing a “family night”, visiting the sick, comforting the bereaved or simply letting them know you’re there for them can make everyone feel included and special. Our Rotary family extends well beyond the club level; we reach out to other clubs as well in the belief that one must do what one can . . . for when we share with caring and lightheartedness, we create abundance and joy for each other….and that is the true Spirit of Rotary

Yes, The Spirit of Rotary....We often think of Rotary as service to others. How often do we find that the Spirit of Rotary is being internal?

Although this happened many years ago, it is still worth re-relling.

In early June of 2000, my husband Neil travelled alone, by car from Davao City to Surigao City on business. I was ill and could not accompany him. On his return trip to Davao he unfortunately had a traffic accident with a child on the National Highway and immediately felt alone, vulnerable and concerned for the child. Vehicles passed by and did not stop to help and gradually, a crowd of local residents congregated. Neil cannot remember how he drove back to Surigao City, the child was unconscious the whole time. Upon taking the child to the Regional Hospital Neil telephoned me for reassurance, comfort and a friendly voice. Within 15 minutes, through then Governor Raoul Hilario of RC East Davao, Neil was met by Rotarian Ric Aguilar of RC Metro Surigao who, without hesitation offered assistance in his day of need.

At no time were we looking for special favours. Neil simply wanted a friend, a councilor, a staff, someone who could help take some of his torment and burden. Rotarian Ric provided all of these, and more. He was by Neil’s side for the whole day, his driver, his confidante, his comforter, in short he was Neil’s pillar. His words of comfort, when no one else seemed to realize the mental anguish Neil was putting himself through, made it possible for him to endure the formalities.

It was not only Rotarian Ric; PP Dado Vasquez came by to provide moral support. PP Vic Barnel, who had arrived from Manila via Butuan City and had attended a Provincial Board Meeting that day, without hesitation offered his legal assistance (after hours).

The Medical Practitioner spouses of RC Metro Surigao who work at Surigao Regional hospital took time out to review the condition of the child and PP Yul Del Carmen who practices internal medicine also took the time to enquire on the condition of the child. The Mayor of Surigao, also a Metro Surigao Rotarian sent his support.

At the end of the day, what am I trying to say? RC Metro Surigao — without hesitation, thought of favour or recompense — gave my husband, a stranger, a visitor to the Philippines, friendship, support and assistance in our hour of need. Not once did we feel under any obligation and at the end of the day they insisted Neil attended their weekly meeting and fellowship and he was treated as a long lost friend.

RC Metro Surigao made our hour of need bearable and the good news is the child survived, sustaining only a broken leg, which we cannot believe, as he went full length underneath the car.

That’s the Spirit of Rotary and that is why I am, and shall always be, a Rotarian.