Aug 1, 2014
Nominate your Candidate for THE ONE HK 2015 NOW
June 12, 2014
Rotary International President Gary Huang joined us on THE ONE Award Gala Dinner 2014
Donnie Yen, Marc Elman, Audrey Touboul, THE ONE Barbara Hofmann and David Harilela
On a heartwarming and uplifting night in the lively city of Hong Kong, filled with touching stories, entertainment and charity, THE ONE 2014 – Barbara Hofmann, was announced on June 12th at the award’s third Gala Dinner held at Holiday Golden Mile. 400 of Hong Kong’s socialites, celebrities, decision makers and entrepreneurs came to honour the four finalists selected for the award.
Finalists Narayanan Krishnan and Scott Neeson with Major Donor Peter Bennett
Ms. Elise Leung, PDG Peter Wong, Dr. Leung chi Hung
Setting the scene for an unforgettable evening the finalists were flown in from all corners of the globe including Narayanan Krishnan from Madurai, India; Rosalind Colwill from Nigeria, Africa (who was unable to make it to Hong Kong for the evening); Scott Neeson who works extensively in Cambodia; and Barbara Hofmann whose cause is in Mozambique, Africa.
Our very own Rotary International President, Gary Huang also made a guest appearance to the event. In his keynote speech, he encouraged guests to follow the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” and emphasized the importance of a shared passion for service to overcome the world’s toughest challenges.
Donations continued throughout the evening with several generous individuals making personal donations to each of the finalists and to THE ONE Foundation. All proceeds raised will go directly towards THE ONE Award prize money for 2015 onward, as well as towards an Emergency Fund for past finalists/winners who may need further help.
THE ONE Committee’s recent formation of a US$100,000 Emergency fund will, on a case by case basis, be used to help any one of the selected finalists over the years. This emergency fund was developed as a result of our experiences in which our finalists have written to us for assistance after they have used up their funds. These additional funds will be used to help them in the case of emergencies to ensure that they can continue helping individuals in need.
We are proud to dedicate THE ONE 2014 award of $100,000 USD to Barbara Hofmann, known to many thousands of children in Mozambique as “Mama,” who devoted her life to the children of war-torn Mozambique by founding the ASEM – Association Pour Les Enfants de Mozambqiue – in 1991. Her mission involves working directly to help the marginalized children and youth of Mozambique and investing in ways to improve and empower these children towards a better tomorrow. ASEM has transformed the lives of up to 15,000 children in its first 16 years; through its health, hunger and literacy programmes operated from ASEM’s children’s centres and schools.What is THE ONE Award?
THE ONE International Humanitarian Award is now proudly entering its fourth year. Over the first three years, THE ONE has awarded and supported 13 unsung heroes and also rewarded the nominating Rotary clubs with a total US$800,000. Throughout the years, these unsung heroes have used the award money to build schools and hospitals, to provide medicine and medical care to the needy and to educate and protect the powerless children of the world. These heroes have affected and improved the lives of millions in India, Nigeria, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, East Timor, Thailand, India, Mongolia, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Cambodia.
Throughout the years we have called upon our growing number of Rotary representatives; which currently stands as 334 Rotarian representations from 60 countries; to help us to promote THE ONE all over the world.
THE ONE, was conceptualized and founded by Past District Governor David Harilela 2011-2012, and is the first international humanitarian award launched by Rotary International District 3450 (RI D3450).
This award aims to find the unsung hero of today by accessing the powerful Rotary network of over 1.2 million people. As signified by the Rotary motto, Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.
Each year, THE ONE award is rewarded to that special caring individual who truly puts Service Above Self – THE ONE who dedicates his/her life to helping those in need every single day.
THE ONE is someone who dedicates himself to the improvement of mankind, works for the highest standard of good, acts with compassion and kindness and can come from any part of the world, regardless of gender, race or ethnic background.
THE ONE awards the annual winner with prize money of US$100,000. Each of the remaining three finalists will be awarded with prize money of US$50,000, donated by the award sponsor Peter Bennett Foundation. The award money must be used to further the awardees’ respective humanitarian-cause and service projects. The winner will also receive a custom-designed trophy kindly manufactured and sponsored by Baccarat.
We want YOU to help us find THE ONE 2015!
As we continue to embark our journey of service to the world, we need your assistance in finding THE ONE 2015, an individual who truly puts Service Above Self, gives totally to his/her cause, dedicates his/her daily life to the improvement of mankind, advocates for humanity, works for the highest standard of good, and acts with compassion and kindness.
Please submit a completed nomination form with Rotary Club endorsement, resume of the candidate, description of candidate’s service to humanity, photograph of the candidate and Supporting Materials (if any) via e-mail (nominates@theonerotary3450.org) or post to THE ONE Organising Committee Rotary Information Centre, 14/F Capital Commercial Centre, 26 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay no later than Friday, January 31, 2015.
Each Rotarian is eligible to nominate and endorse one or more candidates for this honor. Please consult our website at: http://www.theonerotary3450.org to review the criteria for nominating a candidate.
Please help us to find and reward the angels of the world !
December 5, 2013
Let’s help the unsung heroes to maximize the good they do for our world – Help us find THE ONE
What is THE ONE Award?
THE ONE Humanitarian Award was conceptualized and founded by Past District Governor David Harilela 2011-2012, and is the first international humanitarian award launched by Rotary International District 3450 (RI D3450).
This award aims to find the unsung hero of today by accessing the powerful Rotary network of over 1.2 million people. As signified by the Rotary motto, Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.
What is a humanitarian?
A humanitarian endeavors to improve the human condition through saving lives, improving the quality of life, and alleviating suffering, while supporting and contributing to the basic
human dignity of those in need. Candidate must dedicate his/her daily work in helping those in need.A humanitarian
Examples of the variety of humanitarian daily efforts eligible for THE ONE Award include, but are not limited to:
children as well as supporting them all the way through universityTo learn more about the stories of our previous winners and finalists, please visit http://www.theonerotary3450.org > Awards
Nominate Now!
Please submit a completed nomination form with Rotary Club endorsement, resume of the candidate, description of candidate’s service to humanity, photograph of the candidate and Supporting Materials (if any) via e-mail(nominates@theonerotary3450.org)or post to THE ONE Organising Committee Rotary Information Centre, 14/F Capital
Commercial Centre, 26 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay no later than Friday, January 31, 2014.The Award 2014 will be presented at the THE ONE Gala Dinner at Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hotel (Hong Kong) on June 12, 2014. The Winner will receive US$100,000 prize money, and the Finalists will also receive US$50,000 (donated respectively by award sponsor Richard Elman for the winner and by Peter Bennett to the Finalists)
For more information, please email info@theonerotary3450.org or visit http://www.theonerotary3450.org
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October 18, 2013
Help us find THE ONE 2014
THE ONE is asking for people like YOU to also get involved by helping us to find our 2014 angel. Visit our website at www.theonerotary3450.org to find out how you can get involved. If you’re interested in nominating a candidate for THE ONE 2014, please submit your application by January 31st, 2014!
About THE ONE
Nomination
Criteria & Guidelines
Nomination form
LIKE our previous Angels
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October 03, 2013
How Christina Noble plans to use THE ONE award money?
Christina Noble, THE ONE finalist 2013 Update
THE ONE is honoured to update all of our supporters regarding the future plans of our 2013 Finalists. We are excited to share with you how they will be spending their prize money and continuing to change our world! Many thanks to our Founding Award Donor Mr. Richard Elman, Major Award Donor Mr. Peter Bennett and all our donors and supporters.
How Christina Noble plans to use THE ONE award money?
She will use her prize to support the various programmes and sustainability of The Centre for Social Assistance for Disadvantaged Children, a core project of the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation in Vietnam since 1991. The Centre provides nutritional care and early intervention of physiotherapy based rehabilitation for orphans and disadvantaged children. The centre can support up to forty full time ‘residential’ children in addition to fifty ‘nonresidential’ children.
They also provide a vital public health service for up to 1000 community members each month through the free outpatient clinic in the centre. This outpatient clinic provides health examinations, medical treatment, pharmacy, nutritional supplements, family planning, and nutrition and health education to parents. Additionally, The Centre for Social Assistance for Disadvantaged Children provides education intervention for disabled children though the provision of special education classes.
A hero. A healer. An Angel. THE ONE will be called many names. Most of all THE ONE will inspire all of us, and as a shining example for all to aspire to.
Christina, Thank you and please continue the good you are doing for the world! – THE ONE Organising Committee
Read more about THE ONE finalists 2013
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Sept 14, 2013
Valerie Ann Taylor, THE ONE winner 2013 Update
THE ONE is honoured to update all of our supporters regarding the future plans of our 2013 Finalists. We are excited to share with you how they will be spending their prize money and continuing to change our world! Stay tuned for our next few newsletters as we will be featuring a separate finalist each month.
Thank you our Founding Award Donor Mr. Richard Elman, Major Award Donor Mr. Peter Bennett and the all the donors and supporters. With all your support, Ms. Valerie and all the finalists will be able to continue their good works.
How would Valerie plan to use THE ONE award money and the donations?
She is using the USD 100,000 award money to build 2 hostels:
1. A new and permanent hostel building for the disabled school going children at CRP. This will be necessitated because the location of the present single storied temporary building (which has a tin roof) is now required as the site for a new international students multi storied accommodation building.
2. An additional hostel accommodation for those patients undergoing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech & language therapy, provision of wheeled mobility aids and artificial limbs and orthoses at CRP-Savar.
Other than the award money, Valerie received also HK$ 62,000 from some of the generous THE ONE gala dinner guests.
She will use this donation for the work of the Spinal Cord Injury Development Association in Bangladesh (SCIDAB). This is a partner organisation of CRP and employs one project
officer, Mr Anwar Hossain, who is a wheelchair user. They have previously received “seed money” in order to set up the organisation and have been waiting for registration from the Government of Bangladesh to enable them to apply for funding independently.A hero. A healer. An Angel. THE ONE will be called many names. Most of all THE ONE will inspire all of us, and as a shining example for all to aspire to.
Valerie, Thank you and please continue the good you are doing for the world!
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July 12th, 2013
THE ONE Visits the Rotary International Convention in Lisbon, Portugal!
THE ONE Organising Committee journeyed to Portugal to attend the 104th Annual Rotary International Convention. It was an amazing opportunity to share the message of THE ONE and encourage Rotarians all over the world to get involved by nominating a candidate and spreading the word. THE ONE booth was a hit, drawing Rotarians and guests alike to take a picture with our THE ONE cutout. RPIC/IPDG David Harilela, THE ONE Award Founder, was fortunate enough to give a break-out presentation to over 1,000 Rotarians where he shared his vision for THE ONE and encouraged involvement for 2014 and beyond. THE ONE Organising Committee is thankful to have such an amazing network that is willing to offer support as THE ONE Award continues to grow. Thank you to everyone who came out and visited the booth! Please check out the RI Convention photos and feel free to tag your friends and colleagues.
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August 15, 2013
THE ONE Finalist Updates – Dr. Cynthia Maung
PDG Chamnan Chanruang (THE ONE Thailand representative) is presenting THE ONE award prize to Dr. Cynthia Maung (THE ONE Finalist 2013). This US$ 50,000 was kindly donated by Mr. Peter Bennett to each of the three finalists of THE ONE 2013 to further support their service projects. We would like to thanks Mr. Bennett for his generous donation and extend our Congratulations to Dr. Cynthia.
THE ONE is honoured to update all of our supporters in regard to the future plans of our 2013 Finalists. We are excited to share with you how they will be spending their prize money and continuing to change our world! Stay tuned for more on our next few newsletters as we will be featuring a separate finalist each month.
Dr. Cynthia Maung, Healer of Burma
She plans to use her prize for two different programmes. First, she wishes to assist her partner organisations in Mae Sot by purchasing a piece of land on which they may function without risk of rising rent prices. As the area of Mae Sot becomes more developed, landlords are becoming pressured to raise rents or even sell their land as it becomes more valuable. Purchasing a piece of land will ensure long-term sustainability and connectivity for all of Dr. Maung’s pursuits in the area. Second, Dr. Maung will apply part of her prize money to improving the integration of her CDC School with the Thai Education System. Doing so will help assimilate the migrant Burmese children into Thai society. The CDC School seeks to gain legal registration for migrant learning, which
would enable it to seek additional support from the Thai Ministry of Education. By helping teachers gain their certifications and increasing the number of students enrolled, the CDC will make strides towards gaining registration and increasing their financial sustainability.After received the prize from THE ONE, Dr. Maung went on to also win the 2013 Sydney 16th Peace Prize of $50,000 which is extended to one individual worldwide.
Dr. Maung, you are the Healer of Burma. Thank you and please continue the good you are doing for the world!
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July 12th, 2013
An Update on our 2013 Finalist, Enrico Sala
Enrico plans to construct a brand new maternity hospital in Cambodia that will serve a community of 50,000 people. Showing a commitment to maternal health, this will be the fourth maternity hospital constructed through Enrico’s efforts. The facilities will include delivery, examination and labor rooms as well as rooms dedicated to changing and recovery. The construction of the hospital is progressing rapidly as communication with medical staff and the clearing of the land is already underway. This hospital will provide mothers a chance to give birth in a clean, safe environment which is nearly impossible in existing centres. The hospital will provide both mothers and babies with check-ups and health support in the months following birth. Enrico has developed a most prosperous relationship with the Cambodian government during his tenure. As a result, the government will provide the land for the hospital and all salary and education expenses for the staff. Enrico’s work to improve maternal health in Cambodia has inspired the government to improve their own facilities, treatments and staff. Through the combined efforts of Enrico and the government, this wonderful new hospital will be a sustainable birthing option for years to come. Thank you, Enrico, for all of your hard work and dedication to the people of Cambodia!
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June 6th, 2013
THE ONE 2013 WINNER Announcement!
After an enormously successful second THE ONE Award Gala Dinner, we are proud to announce our second winner, Ms. Valerie Ann Taylor of Bangladesh! Valerie was presented with her award at our annual Award Gala Dinner that was held on June 6, 2013 at the Holiday Inn Golden Mile in Hong Kong. Please find the details of our sponsors, finalists, Gala and Rotary International included in the press release below.
Rotary International District 3450 continues to honour the world’s unsung heroes and healers with its life-changing International Humanitarian Award, THE ONE.
Conceptualised and founded by Immediate Past District Governor (2011-2012) David Harilela, THE ONE is dedicated to finding the hero of all heroes. Inspired by the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self,” THE ONE is an individual who dedicates his or her daily life to serving others, and helping those in need to alleviate pain, suffering, poverty and hunger. Now in its second year, THE ONE has received applicants from over 20 countries thanks to a contingent of 100 global representatives who scour the world to find the tomorrow’s leading humanitarians.
To celebrate its second year, THE ONE Award Gala Dinner was held on the 6th of June 2013 at The Holiday Inn Golden Mile, Hong Kong. As one of the highlights on this year’s social calendar, the gala was attended by leading members of the community and local celebrities including THE ONE ambassador Donnie Yen Ji-Dan and his wife Cissy Wang, Michael Wong and Janet Ma, David & Mahnaz Lee, supermodel Qi Qi, former Miss Chinese International Sharon Kwok and power couple Anthony and Jocelyn Sandstrom who were MCs for the evening. The four finalists were also flown in especially for the event.
The winner of the award will receive US$100,000 to further their respective humanitarian cause and service projects, while the 3 remaining finalists will be awarded with US$50,000 each by our major award donour, Mr. Peter Bennett. The winner’s reward of US$100,000 has been generously endowed by respected Hong Kong businessman and Chairman and Founder of Noble Group, Richard Samuel Elman. The winner will also receive THE ONE Trophy created especially by David Harilela and sponsored and brought to life by the artistry of Baccarat.Nominations for the award were received from Rotary’s powerful network of over 1.2 million people in countries spanning the globe from Asia to Africa. The panel of judges featured top professionals from the local community as well as journalists, professors and experts working in the micro-finance field for the third world countries. Among the final judging panel are: Past Rotary International Director Sushil Gupta; Formerly Secretary General of the Legislative Council Secretariat, Ms. Pauline Ng; Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr. T. Brian Stevenson; THE ONE major award Donour, Mr. Peter Bennett; and THE ONE Founding Award Donor, Richard Samuel Elman.
The final four finalists, along with their inspiring stories, were revealed in May and include: Christina Noble who works in Vietnam and Mongolia; Dr. Cynthia Maung from Myanmar; Enrico Sala who works extensively in Cambodia; and Valerie Ann Taylor whose cause is in Bangladesh.
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About Rotary International & District 3450
Rotary is a volunteer organisation of 1.2 million business and professional leaders united worldwide to provide humanitarian service and help build goodwill and peace. Over 34,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries conduct projects to address today’s challenges – including illiteracy, disease, hunger, poverty, lack of clean water and environmental concerns – while encouraging high ethical standards in all vocations.
As the world’s largest private provider of international scholarships, The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International helps about 1,000 students annually to study abroad and serve as cultural ambassadors. Rotary also partners with seven prestigious universities around the world, providing opportunities to earn a master’s degree in peace and conflict resolution.
PolioPlus is Rotary’s flagship programme. By the time polio is eradicated, Rotary club members will have contributed US$1.2 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than two billion children in 122 countries. Rotary is a spearheading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, along with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rotary International District 3450, with over 80 years of history, now comprises of 71 clubs in Hong Kong, Macau and Mongolia. Hong Kong consists of 53 clubs (including 1 E-Club), 6 in Macau and 13 in Mongolia.