Finishing the Fight: Rotary’s Promise to the Children of the World

In this inspiring episode of Voices of District 7020, host Rotarian Nerissa  sits down with District Governor-Elect Lindsey Cancino (2026–2027) to explore one of Rotary’s greatest engines of change — The Rotary Foundation.

From the historic fight to End Polio Now to the innovative ways clubs across the Caribbean are leveraging global and district grants, Lindsey offers a powerful inside look at how the Foundation transforms generosity into measurable global impact. He shares stories of perseverance, leadership continuity, and the importance of education and awareness in unlocking Rotary’s full potential.

This conversation reminds us that the Foundation isn’t just a fund — it’s a force. A living example of what’s possible when passion meets purpose, and when service truly rises above self.

🎧 Tune in to learn:

• Why the fight to end polio is closer than ever — and why it still matters.
• How District 7020 clubs can better access and manage Foundation grants.
• The incredible 1,100% ROI of Rotary’s giving power.
• Why continuity, education, and storytelling are key to Rotary’s future.

Listen, learn, and be inspired to give, lead, and serve with purpose.

🌍 Connect with us:
Follow Voices of District 7020 on your favourite podcast platform, and stay tuned as we continue to amplify the voices, stories, and impact shaping Rotary’s future across our District and beyond.

Transcript

Nerissa (Host): Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of Voices of District 7020, the podcast where we amplify the voices, stories, and impact shaping Rotary’s future across our district and beyond. I’m your host, Rotarian Nerissa Persaud. Joining me today is a very special guest — our very own District Governor-Elect for the 2026–2027 Rotary year, Lindsey Cancino. Lindsey, welcome to our district’s virtual living room. How are you?

Lindsey (Guest): I’m very well. Thank you so much for inviting me. This is a great pleasure.

Nerissa (Host): Lindsey, when I think of you alongside The Rotary Foundation, I see you in that iconic red End Polio Now shirt — and interestingly, you’re wearing it. Our listeners can’t see it, but I can confirm you are wearing it — campaigning and speaking with such conviction. That image makes me feel this will be a cornerstone of your year as District Governor. Am I right?

Lindsey (Guest): Yes and no. I think “the Foundation” may be the more accurate description, but certainly the fight to eradicate polio is part of that. It’s been a very big part of my life — there’s no hiding that; everyone knows how much I’m into it. So the short answer is yes.

Nerissa (Host): I knew it. How urgent is this moment for the Foundation, and how do you see it helping us strengthen a word we’ve been using quite a bit across the district — leadership continuity?

Lindsey (Guest): They’re related — no question. And it is urgent in the sense that we’re extremely close. We are at, I believe, 28 cases in the world at the moment — the new report comes out today, but I haven’t seen it yet. The relevant point is it’s only occurring in two countries and has dropped from 350,000 new cases a year when we started in 1988. That’s a 99.99% reduction. We are simply too close not to finish the job — to say nothing of the promise we made to the children of the world when we took this on: to eradicate the disease. And we’re going to do it, come hell or high water.

Nerissa (Host): If I’m correct, was it 1994 when cases in this part of the world were declared eradicated?

Lindsey (Guest): It depends which country you’re talking about. I know it was eradicated in The Bahamas in the 1980s, and later for a few others — but generally that’s correct. It’s been gone for roughly 30 years from the Caribbean. We’re in a unique situation now: tourism is more prevalent than ever; travel is easy. Going to far-flung places isn’t as exotic as it used to be. That means we run the risk of someone picking up the virus, bringing it back, and re-infecting an unvaccinated child the longer we take to eradicate it.

Nerissa (Host): And that’s exactly why I posed the question. On End Polio Now campaigns, people sometimes say, “It’s not in my backyard, so why worry?” But it wasn’t that long ago.

Lindsey (Guest): Thinking back to your continuity question — we’ve always been committed to this as a district. We could do more, obviously, but compared to the rest of the world, District 7020 has been a big supporter of polio eradication. That’s due to great leadership in the past — I think of Barry Rassin, for example — whose Rotary roles gave him deeper exposure and a sense of urgency. For decades, 7020 has been a strong supporter. Continuing that support — with the goal of finishing the job — is essential. Look at devices like the PolioPlus Society, which asks people to give US$100/year to the Polio Fund; in 7020 we now have 407 PolioPlus Society members. That’s about $40,000 more going to polio every year than before it existed.

Nerissa (Host): Was there a particular story that made this such a personal mission for you?

Lindsey (Guest): Yes — down to two people, really, in the early 2000s. I was asked to chair the Group Study Exchange committee (a Rotary Foundation program; now Vocational Training Teams) under District Governor Eddie Bostwick. As a result, Past RI Director John Smarge invited me to a Rotary Foundation seminar at Rotary International Headquarters in Evanston around 2003–2004. My head was blown by what the Foundation is capable of, how well it’s run, and how few of us understand its power when used properly. I became a huge advocate. Naturally, that led to their number one program and cause — eradicating polio. I got in slowly, then Barry Rassin asked me to help the district reach a $50,000 goal — which sounded challenging then. If you challenge me on fundraising, I’m going to have a go. We not only did it; we exceeded it. That preceded the Gates Foundation match announcement in 2008. After Gates joined, the advances were astronomical — cases dropped like a stone. By 2011, India was certified polio-free — something we were told could never be done. I’m a Type-A; I like to win. Seeing we were winning kept me at it. In 2018 or 2019, I became an End Polio Now Coordinator, and got even more involved. Now it’s do-or-die for me — I’ve got to see it through.

Nerissa (Host): Where did this initiative take you?

Lindsey (Guest): Unfortunately I didn’t get too far afield. I organized our district’s first NID (National Immunization Day) trip to India — Karen and I were the organizers — but in the end neither of us could go; the team went without us. Mostly I’ve been in the U.S. and Canada for regional meetings. Fundraising pushed me to learn the underlying issues and science, and I’ve found it fascinating ever since.

Nerissa (Host): You spoke about the Foundation’s power. Paint the picture — what does that power look like?

Lindsey (Guest): It was well-run then and it’s even stronger now. We have clear Areas of Focus. Whatever cause moves you, you’ll find it under one. The challenge is: it takes time to learn the rules and manage grants. District Grants are easier; Global Grants take more effort — and that turns some people off. I’m determined to help the district learn why and how to use the Foundation. We give decently — about $400,000/year from the district, much higher a couple of years ago after the Million Dollar Dinner in The Bahamas — and likely again this year.

Nerissa (Host): Because November in Cayman Islands…

Lindsey (Guest): That’s right — a Million Dollar Dinner in Cayman. That fills me with joy because the more we give to the Foundation, the more we get back. Fifty percent of everything you give returns as DDF (District Designated Funds) three years later. The three-year gap allows investment earnings to offset admin costs — another way we maximize the original donation. We’re in the 90s in terms of percent to programs — most foundations don’t return that much to the actual cause. If Rotarians in 7020 understand how well-run, efficient, and impactful it is, they’ll invest the time and dollars. Another key stat: on average, every year we get back around 10× what we contribute through grants — roughly $3.8–$4+ million annually in grant value flowing into 7020.

Nerissa (Host): Everything you’re saying shows the Foundation’s power — unique among foundations. Yet we’re falling short on tapping that potential, largely due to education. Where do we start? What should we think about next?

Lindsey (Guest): Start by determining a real need — sometimes outside your own community. You might be asked to join a Global Grant in Timbuktu — still worth supporting. In my club, under President Christian Knowles a few years ago, we aimed for seven Global Grants — more than most clubs attempt. We had challenges and didn’t hit seven, but ended with four solid by year-end. Now, almost three years later, six are approved or in process, and one is about to go in next week. Those six total $1,000,000 in project value. Our club’s cash is $6,000; DDF from District 7020 is $88,500. That’s 1,124% leverage on the DDF — staggering. These grants are in Haiti, India, Colombia, Nigeria, Chicago, and Micronesia. If one club can manage that, why not do the same at home next time?

Nerissa (Host): Were these grants all actioned by your club, or in partnership with other clubs in The Bahamas?

Lindsey (Guest): Just us from The Bahamas — with partner clubs around the world.

Nerissa (Host): What kept your team together during Christian’s year?

Lindsey (Guest): Determination.

Nerissa (Host): (Laughs) Christian is very determined — we all know that.

Lindsey (Guest): His enthusiasm was infectious. I presume mine to some degree as well — he put me on the committee. And our International Service Chair, Rose Roberts, is passionate and hard-working — you give her a task, she says yes and sees it through. We had hiccups. Our first approved grant fell apart when the other side changed approach; we spent 18 months finding a new partner and did it. Volunteers stepped down; we found replacements. We kept returning to the goal and refused to walk away when something went wrong. Remember, polio eradication started in 1979 in the Philippines; by 1988 the Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners — including Rotary — took on the world. We never envisioned vaccine hesitancy, religious conflict, political pushback, war. Hundreds of polio volunteers have been killed over nearly four decades — yet survivors say, “Please don’t stop.” We owe it to them to finish.

Nerissa (Host): With successes and lessons, what must we put in place to do better as a district?

Lindsey (Guest): We’re good supporters and decent utilizers of the Foundation — but we can do more if we get more fastidious about grant management and more proactive about education. First, verify the need — it’s what the community says it needs. Next, ensure you have people with sufficient knowledge to manage a grant from start to finish. That takes time and study. Use the Rotary Learning Center courses on Grants Management — sit through them. It’s several hours, but worth it. Don’t say it’s too much work and walk away. We’re here to serve — Service Above Self. We’re the most effective humanitarian organization in the world — that should fill us with pride and determination to keep it that way. Get educated, then go execute: find partners, apply for grants, and get it done.

Nerissa (Host): How do we inspire clubs and especially new Rotarians to see giving not as an obligation, but as part of our identity?

Lindsey (Guest): Show examples of effectiveness — we have oodles in our district. Haiti alone has scores of successful grants. Tell local stories — wins and struggles — so people see it’s worth it. For newer Rotarians, it’s hard to envision giving $100 a year, let alone $1,000. Our district’s Paul Harris Society — one of the earliest outside the U.S., created in 2005 (I created it) — now has close to 150 members in 7020. That’s $150,000+/year minimum. Not everyone can give at that level — give time by serving on a grant committee, or give smaller amounts. Many clubs are 100% Sustaining Member clubs (every member gives at least $100/year to the Foundation). Use Rotary Direct — monthly, semi-annual, or annual charges. $100/year is about $8/month — half a lunch.

Nerissa (Host): When we talk about End Polio Now and the Foundation, imagery helps. I believe having more 7020 Rotarians on campaign would activate our collective spirit — even if you’re not doing a grant, you’re building awareness and shared responsibility. That includes new Rotarians, long-time members, and even former Rotarians — people who leave Rotary are still potential Foundation supporters.

Lindsey (Guest): And potential future Rotarians. There are dozens in 7020 — I know at least a dozen in The Bahamas — who’ve served on NIDs in India; you might not realize it. Those photos circulate, but we could make more of a campaign. My father-in-law appears often — there’s a district conference photo of Murray administering drops to a child in India. You’ll also see 7020 members featured in RI public image materials if you browse the site.

Nerissa (Host): I’ve spotted familiar faces in the Learning Center too!

Lindsey (Guest): That’s right — we do get around.

Nerissa (Host): Looking ahead to your year, what bold impact do you hope for District 7020?

Lindsey (Guest): For the Foundation: greater awareness of its power and the details of using it — leading to more grant utilization and bigger, more impactful projects here and worldwide. Right now, $171,000 in DDF is available for District 7020 projects — and that’s after $139,500 has already been approved since July 1. Each year it’s topped up by what was donated three years ago — 47.5% of those donations come back as DDF. In 2026–2027, our incoming DDF will be over $370,000 — double any prior year — because of the 2024 Million Dollar Dinner. And three years from the Cayman dinner, even more will come back. We must get ready to use it.

Nerissa (Host): I like the trend: Bahamas Million Dollar Dinner, Cayman Million Dollar Dinner — maybe Jamaica next?

Lindsey (Guest): It’s been postulated — believe it or not.

Nerissa (Host): It would be in the spirit. Lindsey, what parting thoughts do you want to leave with our listeners?

Lindsey (Guest): We belong to a very effective, global organization doing a lot of good. We should be proud. District 7020 is a big producer in that world. Go to an RI Convention and you’ll see how respected we are — especially considering our geography. Most districts drive to 40–50 clubs; 7020 has 90 clubs across 10 countries on 16 islands, and the District Governor visits every club unless there’s a serious reason not to. In recent years Haiti visits were paused; DG Bill has just ended that — he’s in Haiti now as we speak.

Nerissa (Host): Certainly something to be proud of. Now, time for our Fun & Fast Fire Wrap-Up — 60 seconds, rapid answers. Ready?

Lindsey (Guest): I’ll give it a shot.

Nerissa (Host): In three words, sum up the vision for 2026–2027.

Lindsey (Guest): Continuity, Integrity, Impact.

Nerissa (Host): Love it. What’s your Rotary superpower?

Lindsey (Guest): People often point to my passion — for Rotary, the Foundation, and polio eradication. Find your passion and get stuck in.

Nerissa (Host): I was going to say raising money for the Foundation.

Lindsey (Guest): That’s part of the passion — because I know what the money can do.

Nerissa (Host): Go-to karaoke song?

Lindsey (Guest): From a district perspective — “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge.

Nerissa (Host): Hidden talent or hobby most Rotarians don’t know?

Lindsey (Guest): I used to be enthusiastic about amateur theatre in The Bahamas with my wife for a couple of decades — mostly musicals — and was even nominated once. Also, art helped get me into university; I’d like to find time to get back into it.

Nerissa (Host): Final one: one wish for District 7020 — if you could snap your fingers tomorrow?

Lindsey (Guest): More passionate, committed Rotarians and Rotary actors who walk the talk — making things better one project at a time, serving our clubs and communities.

Nerissa (Host): Lindsey, thank you so much for joining me. It’s been an absolute pleasure.

Lindsey (Guest): My pleasure, always.

Nerissa (Host): What a powerful reminder of the heart that beats within Rotary — from eradicating polio to unlocking the potential of The Rotary Foundation. This conversation with District Governor-Elect Lindsey Cancino shows that when passion meets purpose, extraordinary things can happen. I’m Nerissa Persaud, and this has been Voices of District 7020 — where we celebrate people, purpose, and the possibilities that make our district truly remarkable. Until next time, stay inspired, stay connected, and keep serving with heart.