Making a Difference Beyond Our Local Community
While much of what Rotary Priory & Satellite does is focused here in West Norfolk, being part of Rotary also connects us to a much wider global network.
Rotary is a worldwide organisation of around 1.4 million members across more than 46,000 clubs. Through this network, we are able to support projects that improve lives across the world — often in partnership with other Rotary clubs, Rotary’s own charity, The Rotary Foundation and charities.
These projects focus on areas such as health, education, clean water, economic development and protecting the environment — all aimed at creating lasting, sustainable change.
Global Impact, Local Involvement
As a member of Rotary King’s Lynn Priory & Satellite, you have the opportunity to be part of this wider work — whether through fundraising, supporting specific projects, or simply knowing that your contribution is helping make a difference beyond our local community.
Here are some of the international initiatives we support:
End Polio Now
One of Rotary’s most significant global efforts is the campaign to eradicate polio.
Since 1985, Rotary has worked alongside the World Health Organisation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to reduce cases by 99.9%, bringing the world to the brink of eliminating this disease entirely.
Our club contributes to this ongoing work each year, helping to support vaccination programmes. We take part in a local area walk and raise sponsorship.
Lend with Care
Lend with Care provides small, low-interest loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries, helping them start or grow their own businesses.
As loans are repaid, the funds are reinvested to support others — creating a sustainable cycle of opportunity.
Over the past decade, our club has supported 400 of these loans totalling £11,627. 73, helping create jobs, support families and build long-term financial independence. Specifically, these loans have helped 1019 entrepreneurs and crated 1060 jobs. They have also helped to support 3015 family members. The default rate on the repayment of these loans is loans is almost zero.
Supporting Children and Education
We support a number of initiatives focused on giving children access to education and a better future.
A safe and supportive environment for children living in extremely challenging conditions, offering education, care and access to essential services. Through Rotary, we have helped support both welfare and educational programmes, and enabled opportunities for knowledge-sharing between UK teachers and local staff.
Rotary Priory & Satellite made contact with the Rainbow Centre through the Sri Lankan daughter in law of the late Peter Tasker, a former member. The club led the joint initiative of all three King's Lynn Rotary Clubs to donate funds to the medical and nutritional programmes and also made it possible for three teachers from Reffley Primary School to spend their summer school holiday at the Rainbow Centre to assist staff in the development of the educational programme in 2016.
Kathmandu Orphanage, Nepal
Working alongside the other King's Lynn Rotary clubs, we helped fund improvements to water supply, hot water systems and renewable energy solutions — making a lasting difference to daily life for the children living there.
Environmental Projects
Protecting the environment is a key part of Rotary’s global focus, and we support a range of initiatives that combine environmental improvement with community benefit.
Supporting sustainable agriculture and tree planting projects in countries such as Kenya and Malawi, helping reduce poverty while protecting the environment.
Sustainable Ovens – Uganda
In conjunction with the Rotary Club of Abingdon, we helped to provide efficient cooking systems in schools that reduce wood use, improve health and reduce environmental impact.
Plastic Recycling – India
In 2024/25 we supported a project led by the Rotary club of Amsterdam with the help of a Rotary Global Grant in supporting the development of a recycling facility that tackles plastic pollution while creating local employment and useful building materials.
ShelterBox
We support ShelterBox, a Rotary-founded international disaster relief charity that provides emergency shelter and essential supplies to families who have lost their homes due to conflict or natural disaster.
ShelterBox works in some of the world’s most challenging environments, delivering practical support such as tents, tools and household items to help families begin rebuilding their lives.
As a club, we contribute financially each year to support this work, knowing that our support is part of a much wider Rotary effort responding wherever the need is greatest.
Responding to Emergencies
One of the strengths of Rotary is the ability to respond quickly when crisis strikes.
When major natural disasters or emergencies occur, we work alongside other Rotary clubs locally and across the UK to organise street collections and raise funds in support of those affected.
Over the years, this has included responses to events such as the Haiti earthquake and the Sri Lankan tsunami. More recently, following the outbreak of war in Ukraine, we organised a town centre collection which raised almost £5,000 in a short space of time.
Across Great Britain and Ireland, Rotary clubs collectively raised and delivered over £6 million in funds, supplies and support during the first year of the Ukraine crisis — alongside significant volunteer time and practical aid.
In addition to fundraising, local Rotary members have also supported collections of essential items such as toiletries, medical supplies and food. These have been transported directly to Ukraine, helping ensure support reaches those who need it most.
These efforts reflect what Rotary does best — acting quickly, working together and providing practical support when it matters most.
Where You Fit In
You don’t need specialist knowledge or experience to be part of this work.
Some members take a particular interest in international projects. Others support through fundraising or simply value being part of an organisation that makes a difference on a wider scale.
It’s about being part of something bigger — while still staying connected to your local community.
Interested in Getting Involved?
If the idea of combining local impact with global reach appeals to you, we’d be very happy to tell you more.
Have a chat with us, come along to a meeting, and see how it feels to be part of Rotary.