Rotary International’s “Rotary projects around the globe – April 2026” feature spotlights four community initiatives in Mexico, Canada, Latvia, and India. The roundup spans disaster response, remembrance, hands-on social support, and cultural programming—showing how local Rotary and Rotaract networks mobilize around immediate community needs.
Mexico: Flood response, clean water, and hot meals
Rotary reports that after deadly floods and landslides hit Mexico in October, Rotary and Rotaract members in hard-hit Poza Rica helped move residents to safety, cleared mud-laden streets, and cleaned properties house to house. The Rotary Club of Poza Rica partnered with the Planet Water Foundation to install four water towers and a water block and coordinated with World Central Kitchen to provide hot meals.
Canada: A 220-cross Field of Crosses
In British Columbia, the Rotary Club of Kelowna placed 220 personalized crosses as part of a Remembrance Day tradition co-led with the Okanagan Military Museum Society since 2018. Rotary notes the Field of Crosses is accessible for 10 days beginning 2 November and includes coordinated lighting, ceremonies, and museum-led educational programs connecting students with the stories behind the names.
Latvia: Monthly soup kitchen serving up to 60 people
In Riga, the monthly soup kitchen at Saint Saviour’s Anglican Church has operated since 2001. Rotary says the Rotaract Club of Riga International—along with its sponsor Rotary club—supports the initiative, which serves up to 60 visitors per session, with volunteers preparing food and welcoming guests in a regular, hands-on service model.
India: Thane Literature Festival
In Thane, near Mumbai, the Rotary Club of Thane Hills launched the Thane Literature Festival to create a larger platform for readers and writers. Rotary reports that over two days in November, 22 authors and poets took part in readings and panel discussions, and judges reviewed a short-story contest—framing the festival as part of a broader push to encourage reading among younger generations.
