Welcome to the Rotary E-Club of Sunshine, New York

We are one of the newest Clubs in District 7230 chartered on 22 November 2021
Rotarians have a vision:

“Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”

Ashfaue Salim honored with Paul Harris Fellow Award

Ashfaque Salim, International Director of our Rotary E-Club of Sunshine New York, has been awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award by Club Advisor and Deputy Governor PDG Mahbub Ahmad. This accolade recognizes Ashfaque's exceptional dedication and impactful service, particularly for his significant contributions to relief efforts in response to the devastating floods in Chittagong, Feni, and surrounding areas of Bangladesh. His efforts were notably coordinated with the Rotaract Club of Islamabad (Chittagong) and local Rotary Clubs.

Ashfaque's commitment extends beyond international projects. He has been actively involved in local community service, including donating blood three times during Smart Rotaract Club's blood drives and organizing clothing drives for those in need. As International Director, Ashfaque spearheaded projects that provided essential books and supplies to street children in Bangladesh and facilitated the installation of a purified drinking water system for Chittagong University’s students and faculty.

The award was presented during the Blood Drive and CPR Training program hosted by the Rotary E-Club of Heritage NY. The event, attended by DG Syed Alirahi and DGN Maksud Chowdhury, was praised by Heritage President Shamim for its successful execution.

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is awarded to individuals who contribute $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation, supporting global humanitarian efforts. Established in 1957, the honor aims to appreciate and encourage significant contributions to the Foundation.

Syed Mahfuz Spreads Joy in Tanzania: A Story of Global Philanthropy

Syed Mahfuz, a dedicated humanitarian based in Japan, recently embarked on a heartwarming journey to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with a mission to brighten the lives of children at the Atlas School. Representing the Rotary Club of Sunshine, Syed generously donated 400 handkerchiefs and a much-needed children’s school bus to the school.

The children of Atlas School welcomed Syed with overwhelming joy, expressing their gratitude by waving the handkerchiefs he provided and singing songs in his honor. This gesture of kindness left a lasting impression on both Syed and the entire community.

Originally from Bangladesh and a former Rotaractor, Syed now resides in Japan where he manages his own business alongside his family. As a charter member and International Service Director of the newly established Rotary Club of Sunshine, Syed continues to champion educational initiatives worldwide. He also serves as a Director at the Monu Mia & Sultana Orphanage in Sreepur, Bangladesh, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes.

Syed's philanthropic endeavors extend beyond Tanzania. In late 2021, he donated a minivan to the Hamilton Rotary Club in Bermuda, aiding an organization dedicated to supporting children affected by gun violence. In 2022, Syed furthered his support by donating three school buses to the same school in Tanzania, marking the Rotary Club of Sunshine's inaugural international project of the year.

Among their diverse international efforts, the Rotary Club of Sunshine has facilitated access to safe drinking water for rural communities in Bangladesh, provided educational resources such as children's books to underprivileged girls, and offered crucial infrastructure support to a girls' orphanage. Closer to home, the club has made significant contributions, including providing food support to immigrant families in the Bronx, donating laptops to autistic children, and collaborating with the sister Rotary Club of Hope, NY, to supply men’s clothing and hygiene items to "The Living Room," a local homeless shelter.

Syed Mahfuz's inspiring journey exemplifies the transformative impact of community service and international cooperation, showcasing how small gestures of kindness can make a world of difference. His dedication to improving lives across continents is a testament to the power of compassion and the enduring spirit of Rotary's mission.

Area Governor Hosts Round Up Meeting Celebrating Club Excellence and Growth

In a spirited gathering on Saturday, May 18th, Area Governor Bina Ahmad of Area 5 orchestrated a Round Up meeting, heralding the achievements of several new Clubs within the district. The event, held in the spirit of camaraderie, marked a confluence of learning, conviviality, and recognition, as District leaders joined the festivities.

Among the highlights of the evening were the prestigious Club Excellence awards bestowed upon Blooming Rose, Heritage, and Promise Clubs, with special commendation granted to Hope Club for its exceptional membership growth. Area Governor Bina Ahmad underscored the significance of the accolades, noting that they not only coincided with Rotary Day of Service but also symbolized a year-round commitment to community betterment by the recipient Clubs.

Addressing the gathering, incoming District Membership Chair PDG Mahbub Ahmad shed light on the burgeoning growth of new Clubs within the district, particularly within the South Asian community, which now constitutes nearly 15% of District 7230. He lauded the district's remarkable feat of establishing 10 new Clubs over the past six years, a milestone unmatched by any other district in North America.

DGND Maksud Chowdhury provided a brief historical overview, reminiscing about the formation of the Heritage E-Club in 2018 as a pioneering venture, marking the dawn of a new era for the district. Expressing optimism for his upcoming tenure as Governor, he appealed for collective cooperation and support from all stakeholders.

The evening witnessed poignant reflections from Club leaders, including Heritage Club President-Elect Shamim Begum, Promise Club Charter President Makhfia Zaman, Hope Club Charter President Rownak Ahmed, and Blooming Rose Club Charter President Nasrin Khan, who shared insights into the challenges and triumphs of their respective leadership roles.

Offering guidance and wisdom, Club Adviser Shahnewaz Rahim underscored the importance of fostering member engagement across all facets of club activities. Rotarians Nazmul Khan and Muhammad Zaman from Heritage Club imparted invaluable advice to the new Presidents, emphasizing the virtues of unity, collaboration, and collective project initiatives.

As the evening concluded, a sense of camaraderie and determination pervaded the gathering, setting the stage for continued collaboration and service-oriented endeavors within the district's vibrant Rotary community.

For Rotary Day of Service, Sunshine NY Rotary Club Empowers Special Needs Children with Laptops

As the Club project for Rotary Day of Service, in a heartening display of community support, the Sunshine NY Rotary Club, through the District's 2023-24 District Matching Grant Program, has provided a significant boost to special needs children by donating six laptops aimed at aiding their developmental growth.

The laptops, funded by the Sunshine NY Rotary Club and supplemented through the District Matching Grant, were handed over to the Autism Society Habilitation Organization (ASHO), a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency dedicated to assisting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. ASHO, known for its commitment to fostering a safe space for the South Asian and IDD/ASD population, has been tirelessly serving over 200 families across the state/city for the past few years.

Catering to children ranging from 7 to 15 years old, with some older due to developmental circumstances, ASHO identified a pressing need for laptops to facilitate learning and engagement within the IDD community. With insufficient resources hindering their progress, the provision of six laptops by the Sunshine Rotary Club is a significant stride toward addressing this gap.

"The laptops will play a crucial role in empowering these children with special needs, offering them better learning opportunities and facilitating their integration into society," remarked Bina Ahmad, Charter President of the Sunshine NY Rotary Club. Rubaiya Rahman, Executive Director of ASHO, reaffirmed, "This initiative aims to bridge the gap caused by the lack of adequate learning facilities, ensuring these children receive the support they need to thrive."

Under the project, which amounted to a total cost of $4319, the Sunshine NY Rotary Club generously covered half of the expenses, with the remaining funding secured through the District Matching Grant. ASHO meticulously managed the procurement process, ensuring the laptops met the specific needs of the children and would serve them effectively for years to come.

At the formal handover ceremony, on 11 May 2024, as a project for Rotary Day of Service, Sunshine NY Rotary Club was represented by its youngest member Nahian Ehtesham, and the Club's Community Service Director, Ashfaque Salim. Nahian said she was happy to meet with the children and their families. "They are very excited about this partnership", she said. Highlighting the sustainability of the project, the laptops boast an average service life of at least five years, backed by a comprehensive three-year warranty. Furthermore, the laptops will remain with ASHO, allowing for their reassignment to other children in need as necessary.

Through this collaborative effort, the Sunshine NY Rotary Club and ASHO have reaffirmed their commitment to empowering special needs children, offering them the tools they need to thrive and succeed in their educational journey.

Bermuda Rotary Clubs Dive Deep into Learning at PETS Seminar

Hamilton, Bermuda - April 13, 2024

Rotary Clubs across Bermuda convened for an enriching learning experience during the annual Bermuda Rotary Club Officers Learning Seminar (PETS) held on April 12 and 13 at the prestigious Royal Hamilton Amateur Dingy Club. The event, characterized by its tightly packed agenda and meticulous organization, welcomed not only Club Presidents but also other officers and prospective members eager to enhance their Rotary journey.

The seminar witnessed active participation from Presidents-Elect, Officers, and numerous members representing all four Rotary Clubs in Bermuda - Hamilton, Pembroke, Sandys, and St. Georges. The highlight of the event was the presence of esteemed guests, including Rotary International's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Chair and Past Rotary Vice-President/Director, Valarie Wafer, alongside Mark Wafer, adding a profound dimension to the discussions.

Throughout the seminar, attendees engaged in detailed presentations and roundtable discussions facilitated by esteemed leaders within the Rotary District. Leading the charge on DEI discussions were Valarie and Mark Wafer, assisted by District DEI Co-Chairs Cynthia Paulino and Christina Wellington. Meanwhile, topics ranging from Membership, led by incoming District Membership Chair (DMC) PDG Mahbub Ahmad, to Public Image and Foundation were expertly covered by a panel of knowledgeable facilitators.

Moreover, the integration of technology into club management was a focal point, with District Learning Facilitator PDG Eric Storberg and DGN Garrett Capobianco jointly leading the presentation. Their insights into leveraging technology for streamlined club operations resonated with the attendees, providing practical solutions for enhancing efficiency.

Engaging in one-on-one discussions, Innovative Club Advocate (ICA) Bina Ahmad pointed out that Bermuda is now ripe for one or more new Clubs to infuse new ideas and thoughts as well as improve collaboration among the clubs on the island. She explained how keeping members engaged in the Rotary experience is a prerequisite for member retention. She encouraged members to apply for the District New Member Grants not only to engage members from the get-go, but also to show them the basic elements of project management starting small and scaling up.

Welcoming participants to the seminar, DGE Syed Alirahi stressed the importance of ensuring the “Magic of Rotary” is experienced by all – Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike. DGE Syed presented Certificates to incoming Presidents and outgoing Presidents, as well as shawls to distinguished guests Valarie and Mark Wafer..

District Governor J. Loren Russell underscored the significance of collective effort, emphasizing his theme of "We, not I," and highlighted the remarkable accomplishments achieved in recent years.

Reflecting on the seminar, attendees expressed appreciation for the wealth of knowledge shared and the collaborative spirit that permeated throughout the event. The PETS Seminar not only served as a platform for learning but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among Bermuda's Rotary community, reaffirming their commitment to Service Above Self.

Highlights of Bermuda Learning Seminar