Humanity at Rotary's core

If you thought splurging $10 in a pokie was a gamble, Rowell Flores has news for you.

 

His brother Rex consigned to 'organ death row', Rowell took the ultimate punt last year, making a mercy dash to Australia from the Philippines to forego a kidney. It was a gesture borne out of love but made possible by a Rotary Club in far flung Wagga.

 

The transplant was a success and Rex is relishing his second chance at life, and he's acutely aware it wouldn't have happened without the compassion - and cash - of Rotary.

 

Of course it's just one of many philanthropic deeds done by Rotary clubs in Wagga each year. We should never forget the valuable role our service clubs play, filling in gaps left by government and other institutions. They are guided not by publicity or power but by a simple humanity.

 

A popular bumper sticker reads, "Don't take your organs to heaven - heaven knows we need them here." Heaven knows we need our service clubs too.