The Rotary Club of Macau’s 74th Annual Charity Ball gathered around 300 Rotarians, relatives, Rotaract and Interact club members, and guests at an event themed “wanderlust.”
Held at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom May 29, Rotarians and guests graced the Rotary Club of Macau with donations which will fund the projects to be developed during the next Rotary Year, which commences July 1.
Speaking at the charity ball, João Francisco Pinto, the 2020/2021 president of the Rotary Club of Macau remarked that the year has been challenging as the club was affected by the ongoing pandemic.
“Our fundraising was hampered by the Covid-19 outbreak as we were unable to organize last year’s annual ball. Despite the challenges, we strive to serve those in need. I am proud of how we have proven our ability to adapt,” said Pinto.
“Faced with a pandemic, Rotary has not stopped. Our motto, ‘Service Above Self’ has proven to be of utmost relevance in such a complex year,” he added.
Next year, Rotary International’s theme will be “Serve to Change Lives,” where Rotary pledges to adhere to its core values of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity and leadership.
Matthew Wong, president-elect, said, “The Covid-19 crisis has forced all of us to adapt to the new normal. However, adaptation is not enough. Every great challenge is an opportunity for renewal and growth.”
Over the past 11 months, the Rotary Club of Macau offered help to migrant workers with newborn babies by donating diapers and baby formula, hosted its signature project “Joy to the World – Xmas Party” for people with special needs and organized a seminar on the psychological effects of Covid-19.
Together with other “Area 1” clubs, the club donated blood and raised funds for the Cradle of Hope, as well as raising funds to support the activities of The Rotary Foundation End Polio Fund.
The group has also supported the reconstruction of a school in Prithvirup in Nepal and provided financial assistance to help Mongolia and India fight against Covid-19.
As in previous years, all funds raised during the Annual Charity Ball will be exclusively used to finance the various service projects.
Macau Daily Times is the official media partner of the event. LV
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