Rotary was started with the vision of a Chicago attorney, named Paul Harris. On 23 February 1905 the first Rotary Club meeting was held for the Rotary Club of Chicago. This was where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful friendships.
By 1910, Paul Harris had expanded Rotary to other major U.S. cities. Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
To read more on the history of Paul Harris click here
Each year Rotary has a theme set by the Rotary International President. In the 1997/1998 year the Rotary theme was "Show Rotary Cares". In light of this, the Club decided to erect a monument to remind Benoni that Rotary does care and, with the generosity of the Benoni community, we are able to conduct all the projects that we have undertaken over the years.
Due to weathering, and human influence, over the years the Memorial started looking a bit forlorn. The cement structure started crumbling, the surrounding paving area was overgrown and started coming apart, the signage was faded, and the Rotary wheel was looking rather dull.
In February 2020, the Rotary Club of Benoni Van Ryn took it upon themselves to give the Memorial a well needed face lift. The men in the Club used their skills and ingenuity to strip the Memorial of the Rotary wheel and signs, and rebuilt the concrete corner. The Rotary wheel was cleaned and sealed, and new signs were printed.
Due to lock down, the completion of the face lift had to be postponed. On 18 July 2020, the Club went back to paint and seal the concrete, put the Rotary wheel and new signs back in place.
All the products that were needed for the project were donated by the members of the Rotary Club of Benoni Van Ryn. A big thanks goes out to every person involved and that made this project possible (from those who put in physical labour to those who cheered us on from the side line with scones and tea).
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