By NATALIE GALLENTI
ROSS Butterworth is proud to be a Rotarian but what makes him even prouder is helping out communities in need.
The Eynesbury resident joined Melton Valley Rotary 18 years ago and since then has achieved a list of accolades most people could only dream of, but it is the assistance Rotary offers to disadvantaged communities that gives the 59-year-old the most satisfaction.
Recently elected District Governor 9800, Mr Butterworth will be responsible for all Rotary groups from Brighton in the east to Echuca/Moama in Victoria’s north and said it was an honour to be appointed.
The grandfather-of-three said volunteering with Rotary has offered he, and wife Annette, an opportunity to develop as people.
“Rotary allows ordinary people to do extraordinary things,” he said.
“Rotary has challenges recruiting younger people because there is a general lack of knowledge but it does so much good on so many levels.”
The former businessman said one of the most inspirational initiatives he has been involved in since joining the organisation was the Eyes 2000 project which performed more than 1500 cataract operations in India and raised over $32,000.
“It’s hard to describe the feeling you get knowing you’ve helped other people, some you’ve never met.”
He recalled a comment from an elderly Indian man to a fellow Rotarian which summed up the importance of the project.
“He said for the first time in 20 years I can see and for the first time in my life I can see my five-year-old granddaughter.”
Mr Butterworth encouraged other people, in particular young adults, to volunteer with Rotary and said the organisation was all about “fun, friendship and fundraising”.
“You get out what you put in and we all do it for one reason – to help others.”
