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Rotary and N1KD

N1KD Hosting ideas

Rotarians For Mine Action

I have been known in Rotary for my passion about the subject of anti-personnel landmines. I am absolutely convinced that we can completely eliminate this weapon in our lifetime. Please host a Night Of A Thousand Dinners (N1KD) event on March 1st or whenever it is convenient for your club. If you think hosting in the Fall would be best, please feel free. Your participation will allow the people of mine affected countries to walk without fear.

I was the Founding Chair of Rotarians For Mine Action which you may have seen covered in the June 2004 issue of The Rotarian. I am also President of The Canadian Landmine Foundation and a Director of the global Adopt-A-Minefield Campaign. This Campaign guarantees that 100% of the campaign donations we receive will be directed to mine action with no administrative fee.

Landmines kill or mutilate 20,000 people a year, in some countries, half of the victims are children. Long after wars end, this weapon stays in the ground taking lives, limbs, and eyesight. The Mine Ban Treaty, also known as the Ottawa Treaty, has been ratified by 151 countries of the world. Global trade has dropped from 34 countries trading in 1995 to rumoured unofficial trade by one or two countries.

Canada played a leadership role in this movement to eradicate landmines. Following the signing of the Ottawa Treaty in 1997, then Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy reflected on the next steps that would assist the world in moving forward in the elimination of landmines. He also sought a way to inform Canadians of their role in this achievement and to give them an opportunity to actively participate. One of the key developments was the creation of the Canadian Landmine Foundation, a charity dedicated to raising awareness and funds for landmine clearance and survivor assistance.

Now I would like to highlight for you the easiest way that Rotary Clubs can assist in ridding the world of these scourges: Night of A Thousand Dinners (N1KD). N1KD is an opportunity for people all over the world to come together on a single night, enjoy a meal and help solve the global landmine crisis. Events have been held in meeting halls, in local restaurants, or in private homes. Through this activity we invite people to join together in one of the world's oldest rituals - breaking bread together. It is a tremendous opportunity for fellowship and to promote peace. Many Rotary Clubs across Canada have already made a tradition of participating in N1KD, some offering matching funds to promote themselves in their communities. In addition, many have used these events as an opportunity to introduce prospective members to our particular brand of generosity.

I encourage you to join with us this year. Every cent contributed through this campaign will be used to fund mine action projects. I guarantee that the Foundation will not use any of these funds for administrative purposes. For registration, click here - in the registration process you may select Rotary to ensure that the project work is undertaken in the name of Rotary.

Yours sincerely,

Scott

Scott Fairweather
President and CEO, Canadian Landmine Foundation
(RC Toronto-Forest Hill)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO HOST AN EVENT