stichting-community-services-rotaryclub-hilversum-international.docx

1.

In 2014, two Rotary clubs in the Hilversum area took the initiative to set up Rotary Hilversum International (RCHI), with the specific goal of attracting an inspiring international group of members. RCHI has a diverse membership from all over the world, living in the region around Hilversum (reaching around the triangle Utrecht, Amersfoort & Amsterdam). Members are usually either of Dutch nationality having lived a significant time abroad, or foreign nationals, who have temporary or permanently relocated to the Netherlands. The members are diverse in culture and gender as well as in vocational backgrounds. What binds RCHI is an open mind for diversity in background and culture, a passion to share experiences and bonds with a strong network of friends from all over the world.

2.

Following the inspiration of the founders of Rotary worldwide, RCHI is keen to contribute to society with charity programmes through interaction with the international and local community. The charity activities are aligned with the Rotary International Charity Programme. The community service is a core programme of regional initiatives supported by businesses and individuals to provide fun and happiness to all kinds of underprivileged communities from various backgrounds (not restricted to, newcomers, international groups and youth groups).

3.

In 2016, RCHI decided to set up a separate foundation to manage these community service programmes: Stichting Community Services Rotaryclub Hilversum International (SCSRHI). It was felt that it would be more efficient to implement these programmes through a separate structure, delinking the day-to-day decision-making and financial management of the programmes from the other RCHI activities.
In article 2.1 of its statutes, it is stated that SCSRHI intends to contribute to the realization of the Rotary movement ideal by providing material and immaterial support to persons in need and to organizations aiming to alleviate societal needs.
Article 2.2 states that SCSRHI does not aim to make a profit.
SCSRHI is governed by a Board consisting of a Chair, a Secretary and a Treasurer.

4.

Since its foundation, SCSRHI has implemented a number of programmes, ranging from “Breaking the Ice” (learning children from underprivileged backgrounds to learn a very Dutch tradition, ice skating), a Pony Event (learning the same children how to care for and ride ponies), and “Appeltaartconcerten”, a classical music concert at an institution caring for cancer patients.

5.

At the end of 2023, the decision was taken to organize an Elephant Parade (EP) in Hilversum in 2024. This parade consists of 25 (almost) real-size elephants that will be placed in different locations in the city during the month of September. Making use of the dynamics around Hilversum 600, celebrating the 600^th anniversary of the city in that year, SCSRHI will bring to Hilversum this world-famous EP. To contribute to the festivities around H600, giving back to the city that is hosting its members, and to generate funding for two NGOs: the Elephant Family, a leading charity for Asian elephants, and Philanthropy Connections, an organization set up by Hilversummer Sallo Polak supporting ethnic minorities in the border areas of Thailand, Laos and Burma.

6.

SCSRHI intends to generate income during the EP by selling sponsor packages (individual sponsors will be able to lease for a month or buy an elephant from the parade), by organizing an auction of elephants, by selling individual mini-elephants in pop-up stores, and by organizing dedicated events during the parade. The generated income will first be used to pay for the rent of the parade. Thanks to the generous support of a benefactor, SCSRHI does not incur any financial risk since this benefactor has provided a bank guarantee to cover all costs linked to the organization of the EP that SCSRHI would not be able to earn back.
Whatever will be earned above the amount needed for the EP will be divided between the two aforementioned NGOs. The members of SCSRHI will provide all their services pro bono, except for necessary administrative expenses.
A separate bank account has been opened for SCSRHI, under the management of the Treasurer. Within 6 months after the end of the calendar year, the Treasurer will in conformity with article 10 of the statutes submit the balance sheet including all income and expenses and assets and liabilities of the past year to the Board.

7.

At the end of the year, the Board of SCSRHI will determine the charities to be supported the following year. It will present the results to the Board and the membership of RCHI for approval since ultimately the implementing activities will be a responsibility of the whole Rotary Hilversum International chapter.