This past year has proven to be one of great progress for Gift of Life International (GOLI) and for individual Gift of Life (GOL) programs around the world. Perhaps the most significant accomplishment in 2009 was the implementation of ‘Our Hearts Are in Uganda.’ This GOLI sponsored initiative saw 32 individual GOL programs participate in sending 59 Ugandan children to 25 GOL affiliated hospitals in 13 countries.
My first couple of months as Chairman have been very busy. We have been reviewing, revising, and reorganizing Gift of Life International (GOLI) so that we can meet the demands of our growing international program. In addition to my appointment, six new Directors have been added this year providing GOLI outreach into areas of the United States and abroad that previously were not represented on our Board.
As the current Rotary International year winds to an end so does my term as Gift of Life International (GOLI) Chairman. For the past 6 years I have been honored to hold this position and I believe that we have seen great progress during this time frame.
Gift of Life programs throughout the world define this word. Our 52 programs work with one another on a daily basis to identify and treat children from every corner of the globe. This past month Gift of Life International submitted a proposal to Rotary International President D.K. Lee that would, for the first time, focus the entire Gift of Life network on one country, all at once.
Over the past three plus decades Gift of Life Programs have saved the lives of almost 10,000 children. This has been accomplished through the efforts of thousands of doctors and nurses, Rotarians and hundreds of dedicated volunteers worldwide.
A drop of kindness that started some thirty years ago has created a ripple effect throughout the world, and today we’re proud to acknowledge that the lives of more than 10,000 children have been saved through the Gift of Life program. It is our hope that the Gift of Life web site allows you to discover the beauty of our efforts. We encourage you to accept our invitation to become part of our family.