Rotary Friendship in Action – From Orlando, USA to Malta

Rotary friendships often begin with a simple message—and sometimes blossom into meaningful acts of service. This is exactly what happened when Rtn Elizabeth Burke Bates, a member of the Rotary Club of Pet Rescues, Orlando, Florida, reached out while holidaying in Malta. Her intention was modest: connect with fellow Rotarians. What followed was a heartwarming example of Rotary values in action.

Elizabeth learned about Rotary La Valette’s long‑standing support for the St Jeanne Antide Foundation, a respected Maltese NGO founded by the Sisters of Charity. The Foundation provides holistic support to vulnerable families, including mental health outreach, domestic violence advocacy, and community empowerment. Each year, it runs a Back‑to‑School Campaign, ensuring children from struggling households begin the school year with dignity and confidence. Many of these families fall just outside government assistance thresholds, making community support essential.

Inspired, Elizabeth decided to contribute directly. She purchased €200 worth of school supplies, and thanks to the generosity of our stationery supplier, an additional €100 of items were added—bringing the total donation to €300. These supplies will help children access essential items such as copybooks, pens, art materials, and other classroom necessities, all of which the Foundation identifies as high‑need items during its annual campaign.

Together with Rotary La Valette President Anne Marie Bianchi, Elizabeth visited Jeanne Antide’s Tarxien centre, where the team warmly welcomed her and offered a tour of their facilities. She was able to see firsthand how the Foundation supports families facing poverty and social exclusion, and how even small contributions can make a significant impact.

Elizabeth expressed her joy at witnessing where her donation would go and the difference it would make—an experience that beautifully reflects Rotary’s spirit of Service Above Self.

Rotary La Valette extends heartfelt thanks to Elizabeth and her family, our generous stationery supplier, and the dedicated team at Jeanne Antide. This encounter is a powerful reminder of what Rotary truly represents: friendship across borders, compassion in action, and making a difference wherever we are.