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Content of the talk.
40 million people are enslaved today and 1 in 4 of these are children . Mark will tell us about the existence and extent of modern slavery , where and why it occurs and how the Rotarian Action Group Against Slavery is helping to protect people from slavery and its consequences . He will also tell us how to spot victims of slavery and what action to take when victims are identified. More information is available on www.ragas.online or https://ragas.online.com including a short video. (PLEASE NOTE - You will need to copy and paste these links into your browser as they are not supported within the standards of the Rotary Website Template.)
Mark's Background.
Mark is a Founder Member of the Rotary Club of Norwich St Edmund, England, is a Paul Harris Fellow, was Club President in 1999/2000 and has held several Rotary District appointments between 2002 and the present time.
In 2002 he led a GSE team to the USA. In 2003 he received the “Rotary Service Above Self Award” from Rotary International for his humanitarian work abroad and in 2015, he was presented with RIBI’s (Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland) Champion of Change award for his work on combating Modern Slavery. In late 2021 Mark was recommended to Her Majesty The Queen for the honour of MBE (Member of the British Empire) in the 2022 New Year’s Honours List, the citation being for his “Services to victims of Modern Day Slavery”.
Mark’s awareness of the evils of modern slavery began in 2001 after watching a TV programme on the subject. Shortly after the film he made visits to two Child Slave Rehabilitation Centres in India, featured in the TV documentary film. Since then, he has been active in supporting many anti-slavery organizations, visiting other rehabilitation centres and safe houses in India and other countries and initiating numerous anti-slavery projects abroad. In 2009, he formed an Action Group of Rotarians against Slavery (RAGAS) which eventually received approval from the Board of Rotary International as a Rotarian Action Group in 2013. He was Chairman of the Action Group for 10 years until he stepped down from the role in June 2019.
During the last 2 decades, he has spoken on the issue of Modern Slavery to many Rotary Clubs, Rotary Districts and other organizations both at home and abroad as well as at several breakout sessions at Rotary International Conventions.
Apart from slavery issues, Mark has also been involved in setting up other international humanitarian service projects in developing countries, physically labouring on several Indian building sites (as part of Rotary teams) and participating in four National Polio Immunisation Days in India.
'What We Do' Main Pages:
Member Rod Curtis organised on behalf of the club some warm clothing and a bench for the Stowmarket Town Youth under 11 team who come under the auspices of the Stowmarket Town Football Club.
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moreAt the Mendlesham Street Fayre barrow of booze a hamper was raffled and the winning ticket was drawn by the May Day Queen. This raised £460. Thanks are due to resident Val Remington-Hobbs for loan of the gazebo and other support.
moreUnique features of a Rotarian . . . .
moreThis area is under development but will be used to highlight friends and corporate organisations that support our Rotary Club.
moreWe had an interesting talk from Mike Smith of the Stowmarket Food Bank. A cheque for £500 was presented on behalf of the club by Kevin Widdick, President Elect
moreThe Rotary Club of Stowmarket Gipping Valley continues to support Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.
moreThe Club held a street collection in Stowmarket to support shelterbox in supporting those effected by the earthquake in Morocco.
moreWe organised a stand at the recent (March 2024) Business Exhibition run by the Stowmarket Chamber of Commerce. Many useful contacts were made, and possible businesses being made ‘Friends of Rotary’. The photo shows club president Guy Wiltshear in front
moreStowmarket Gipping Valley Rotary Club makes an annual donation of dictionaries to local schools. The photograph shows this years President delivering books to Gt Finborough school.
moreSome of the club’s previous activities. The photo shows the recent presentation to Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service - see below. Note the Rotary emblem on the fire truck.
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