A Message from the District Governor
My District 5240 Rotary Family
Happy Easter & Passover! When you hear reports about melting ice caps, or how much plastic is collecting in the ocean, or food being wasted, you cannot help but want to do something to protect the environment.
- In 1990-91, RI President Paulo V.C. Costa made the environment one of his primary causes, and created the Preserve Planet Earth subcommittee, which looked at ways clubs and members could conduct environmental initiatives.
- “We have finally caught up to Costa [his vision],” said Past RI President Ian H.S. Riseley, chair of the Environmental Issues task force. He championed the 7th area of focus and influenced members to plant trees.
- 80% of the land in the Bahamas is less than 5 feet above sea level. Which means that, if oceans rise at the rate scientists are projecting, the hilltop home on New Providence Island owned by Rotary International President Barry Rassin may someday be reclassified as beachfront property. “I look at my own country — climate change is almost personal,” he says. “My country is going to be gone if we do nothing.”
- The Earthwise Education Program, launched in September 2024 marked a transformative collaboration between Jeden and Rotary District 5240. This initiative aimed to inspire and educate K-12 students to become proactive environmental advocates. The program was supported by a Rotary 5240 District grant, focussing on reducing food waste and enhancing school gardens through the provision of 40 rapid composters and biochar in 38 schools in 8 school districts spanning all four counties of Rotary District 5240.
- Rotary also has an Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) that provides expertise, networks, and resources to help clubs and districts implement environmental projects.
On Tuesday, April 22nd, Earth Day 2025, I will join our Sister District Koreans in the Earth Hour, to turn off lights to raise awareness about carbon emissions. This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet”, highlights the importance of renewable energy and calls for a global effort to a triple clean electricity generation by 2030.
I am here in South Korea, to attend our Sister Districts 3721 and 3722 conferences. It’s been a long standing sister district relationship since 1997. This year is particularly meaningful as we are joined, for the first time, by our other sister district 4140 from Mexico. Our four districts have collaborated in numerous global grant projects over the years. On this trip, we are also learning and understanding how the Koreans are focused on environmental awareness and action. Their activities includes tree planting, campaigns to reduce plastic waste and many ways to reuse. Local city governments also encouraged the residents to share how they are living a plastic-free life style.
So let’s go green and save green. Let’s "Reuse your today so that you don’t have to reduce your tomorrow, to Save the Earth and Save the Future”.
“Rotary Is Love” + Service = Magic of Rotary
District Governor Sherry Sim
April 19, 2025

One of our most heartwarming events was our Bike Building for Underprivileged Children. There’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face light up when they receive their very first bike. Thanks to the hard work and generosity of our members and partners, dozens of kids now have a new way to ride, explore, and simply enjoy being kids.