The Kim Foundation International and the Rotary International Foundation

Kim Phuc and Rotary International came to know each other well during the first quarter of 2001.

It was at that time that Kim was invited by Rotary International to address 2800 Rotarians at their 2001 Assembly in Anaheim, California. She spoke to District Governors, who in turn represent 1.2 million Rotarians working in some 29,000 Rotary clubs in 160 countries and 35 geographical regions world-wide.

Rotarians initiate community projects that address many of today’s most critical issues, such as violence, drug abuse, youth, AIDS, hunger, the environment, and illiteracy. They work with and for youth in order to broaden their world view and to build international friendships.

The Rotary Foundation sponsors international education and humanitarian programs.

One such program is PolioPlus, which is committed to eradicating polio by the year 2005. Through the efforts of Rotary and its partners in the fight against polio, more than one billion children around the world have been immunized since 1985. A total of 154 nations reported no cases of polio in 1996, up from 85 when PolioPlus began. By the year 2005, Rotarian contributions toward eradicating the crippling disease will reach a half billion US dollars.

Kim’s message on behalf of the victims of war touched the hearts of all who heard her that day.

The result is that The Kim and Rotary International Foundations will be partners around the world, combining their efforts to assist children who need help.

Kim is enthusiastically speaking to a number of Rotary District Conferences in various parts of the world in support of programs for children who are innocent victims of war.

One remarkable side benefit of the relationship with Rotary is that guests who are hearing Kim’s message are also becoming aware of Rotary’s fine mission, and becoming new members.