MAKE MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS
With our growing community of 1.2 million members,
located around the world.
WE TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES
Rotarians invest approximately 47 million volunteer hours every year, into improving the lives of those around them
WE FUND SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS
$291 million awarded for global service initiatives in 2023-24
Join Us
Water Projects Overview
THE MISSION
The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale actively supports water projects which provide clean, sustainable water, sanitation and economic development to underprivileged areas, primarily in Africa.
THE NEED
Consider the following facts relating to the urgent need to improve safe drinking water supplies and better sanitation throughout the world:
WATER FACTS:
- 1 billion people in the world do not have access to safe drinking water, roughly one-sixth of the world's population.
- 50 percent of people on earth lack adequate sanitation
- Every minute of every day a child dies from a water-related disease
- 2.2 million people in developing countries, most of them children, die every year from diseases associated with unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene.
- Half of the world's hospital beds are filled with people suffering from water related illnesses.
- In the past 10 years, diarrhea has killed more children than all the people lost to armed conflict since World War II.
- 358 million children in Africa don’t have clean drinking water
- African women walk an average of 3.6 miles to collect water
- The average American uses 100 gallons of water per day vs. 5 gallons per day for the average African family.
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HOW WE ARE HELPING
Since our club began its water project initiative in 2007, we have contributed over $500,000 to the two principal programs which we support. These programs are: 
WATER WELLS
Our club provides funding for the construction and operation of water wells in rural, underprivileged schools in South Africa in desperate need of water. For this initiative, we partner with A Spring of Hope, a 501(c)3 or
ganization. Spring of Hope identifies, locates promising well site and coordinates construction of each well. The average well costs about $10,000, and we are proud of the fact that every well that we’ve ever funded is still in operation!
WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS
Our club provides funding for to purchase of LifeStraw community water filtration systems, primarily for schools in Kenya. For this program, we partner with Replenish, a 501(c)3 organization based in Arlington, Texas. Replenish identifies schools in need, purchases the filters and coordinates distribution. Each Community LifeStraw can clean 100,000 liters of water, providing safe drinking water for up to 70 people for 5 years. Community LifeStraws cost average of $350, life can be extended with monitoring and maintenance costing an average of $100. "Lifetime LifeStraw" which is $500 for new units which includes the delivery and the maintenance and replacement parts as needed. Every $5 does give a child clean water for 5 years at this pricing.
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| Click here for more information about A Spring of Hope and our Water Wells Program. | Click here for more information about Replenish and our Water Filtration Program. |
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Click below to donate to our Water Wells Program: |
Click below to donate to our LifeStraw Program: |
The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale registration number is CH6195
and the Rotary 1090 Foundation registration number is CH8789.
Jeffrey Shaffner
2025-2026 Club President
Club President Letter 2025-26
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
It’s a true honor to begin this Rotary year as your President. Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me—I’m genuinely excited to serve alongside such a passionate, generous, and thoughtful group. There’s a real sense of momentum building in our club, and I believe this is going to be a standout year.
Our Rotary International theme, Unite for Good, is more than a motto—it’s a mindset. In a world that can sometimes feel divided or disconnected, we have a unique opportunity to be the bridge. Through service, fellowship, and shared purpose, we can show what’s possible when people come together with open hearts and a commitment to doing good.
This year, we’ll build on the strong foundation already in place by:
- Deepening our partnerships in the community
- Strengthening engagement and belonging within our club
- Spreading awareness of the amazing work we do
- Empowering our committees with clear goals and purpose
- Celebrating the diversity of talents and perspectives among us
- Growing our collaboration with the Rotary Community Corps
- Getting a great start on our new expansive, all-hands-on-deck social media campaign to let our community know the great work we do.
And just look at what we’re already doing:
✅ The Rotary Connection, supporting our homeless neighbors
✅ Rotarians Honoring Rotarians, recognizing outstanding contributions
✅ Challenge Air, helping youth realize their potential
✅ Holiday drives, bell ringing, community meals, and more
✅ Honoring veterans, awarding scholarships, and uplifting lives
As we look ahead, one thing is clear—our future success depends on growth. That means growing our membership in size, diversity, and engagement.
We thrive when new voices, new perspectives, and new energy join our mission. Whether you’re deeply involved, just getting started, or somewhere in between—you matter to this club. Every member has something valuable to offer, and every step toward engagement helps strengthen the whole.
This year, I encourage each of us to bring our unique passion to the table—and if you know someone who shares our values, invite them in. Think about the possibilities if each of us brought in just one new member. Let’s grow not just in numbers, but in richness of culture, age, background, and ideas.
And while we’re doing this meaningful work, let’s not forget to enjoy ourselves. Rotary is about service, but it’s also about connection and camaraderie. Let’s make time for laughter, creativity, and fun—because people are drawn to the kind of joy and purpose that Rotary brings.
We are stewards of a 103-year legacy—and I truly believe our best days are still ahead. Let’s unite, serve, and grow—together.
With gratitude and enthusiasm,
Jeffrey Shaffner
President, 2025-2026, Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale
Volunteer With Us
As we begin our Rotary year, here is a quick reminder of the service projects we have on our schedule so far. We do not have exact dates for everything, but please keep these projects in mind and be on the lookout for more information. If you would like to help with any of these projects, please contact the chair directly. If you have ideas for new projects, please contact Jorg Hruschka.
- Find Your Way Home – Jorg Hruschka – Select Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Holiday Toy Drive – Linda Cooke – October – December
- Thanksgiving Baskets – Steve Botkin – November
- Salvation Army Bell Ringing – Steve Botkin – December
- Challenge Air – Dan Rizzi – January 2026
Rotarians In Action