Club President, John Gennard, welcomed to the evening’s meeting, Bobby Anderson and Lynne Whitehead, from the charity Opportunity International, to talk on the concept of micro financing, he also welcomed prospective new member to the Club, Bill McCormack.

Microfinance is the provision of financial services such as loans, savings, insurance and training to people living in poverty.  It is one of the great success stories in the developing world in the last 30 years and is widely recognized as a just and sustainable solution in alleviating global poverty.  Opportunity International was one of the first non-profit organisations to recognise the benefits of providing capital to people struggling to work their way out of poverty.  Over the years, with Opportunity International leading the way, the microfinance sector has expanded its financial service offerings to better meet clients’ needs.  Along with providing more flexible loan products and business and personal development training, Opportunity International offers savings and insurance to help clients effectively navigate the daily hardships they face. 

Bobby gave an illuminating talk on just how effective this means of re-circulating a pot of monies within communities in dire need of help, such as India, Bangladesh and Malawi, can be.  Unlike western banks, within western countries, where bad debts can be in the high tens of per cent, the models they operate only have bad debts of roughly 2%, a rate unheard of in other sectors of banking.  Operating not unlike credit unions, with social and familial peer pressure (and support) these Trust Banks offer small business loans and real opportunities, particularly to women, in third world countries to finance small businesses.  These in turn provide employment, more assured future incomes, security and above all pride to people who just want to get on in the world and provide food, clothing and education for their children.  The loans repaid can, in theory, then finance and re-finance the growth of other businesses exponentially.  Rotarian Bob Inglis, proposed the vote of thanks.  

For more information on Opportunity International and Trust Banks visit our Links page.

In other business, President John reported on the receipt of a letter from CHAS thanking the members for a donation of £400, which was collected at the Club’s final meeting in 2009.  Community Services Chairman, Sandy Morrison also reported that, in consultation with SLC, two further summer seats, donated by Rotary, will be placed on the Clyde Walkway and the Rotary Primary Schools’ Quiz will take place on the morning of Thursday 18 March, within St Athanasius’ Primary School.  All current Aquaboxes being filled by the High School and Primary Schools, will be collected during the Quiz and a further six Aquaboxes have been purchased by the Club for filling over the next few weeks and months.  International Committee Chairman, Martin Speck was pleased to report that he had received a letter from “Mary’s Meals” thanking an anonymous donor for a gift of £100 which would contribute towards “food, education and hope” to a community of schoolchildren in Khartoum.

The Club President’s Gala Night will be held within the Cartland Bridge Hotel, on the evening of 24th April and tickets can be obtained from any member.  Amongst the entertainment being provided will be contributions from Carluke Orchestral Flutes, Sharon Nimmo and hopefully the Shine, Youth Theatre Group.  Future Social events will also include a Club Barbeque and a sail “Doon the Watter”. 

The Rotary Club of Carluke meet regularly 6.00 for 6.30 pm at the Cartland Bridge Hotel.  For further information contact any member or listen to Real radio.