Advancing world understanding and peace, which is expressed in the fourth part of the Object of Rotary, is an important focus of Rotarian service. It is the impetus for numerous service efforts and other cooperative ventures among Rotarians from different parts of the world. It is the reason Rotary International has a long-standing, close collaboration with the United Nations and many of its member agencies. Appropriately, every year the anniversary of the founding of Rotary,February 23rd, is celebrated as World Understanding and Peace Day.

It was once thought that international understanding would be a byproduct of world trade and instantaneous communication. However, although globalization may be bringing the world closer together, universal tolerance and peace sadly remain out of reach.

Orange Sunrise Rotary is a proud partner with the Rotary Club of Tijuana Otay, Mexico. The two clubs meet in fellowship several times a year and have joined together in service projects serving the people of Mexico.

Despite revolutionary medical advances that have increased life expectancy and quality of life, not everyone shares the benefits of better health.

From sponsoring eye and limb camps in developing countries to providing surgery for children with congenital defects and building and equipping medical institutions, Rotary clubs have never ceased their efforts to ease suffering and provide life-sustaining care to millions of people. Yet, achieving better health for all is an ever-changing, ever-challenging task.

Orange Sunrise Rotary, together with the Rotary Club of Tijuana Otay, have provided hearing aids and cleft palate surgeries to the impoverished children in Mexico. In 2005, more than 20 children will receive corrective eye surgery.

Orange Sunrise members were also proud to participate in the "Shoes for the Soul" shoe and clothing drive, directed by Yeshua Yad ministries. This efforts provides shoes for school age children in Tijuana, Mexico.

In 1985, Rotary launched the PolioPlus program to protect children worldwide from the cruel and fatal consequences of polio. In 1988, the World Health Assembly challenged the world to eradicate polio. Since that time, Rotary's efforts and those of partner agencies, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and governments around the world, have achieved a 99 percent reduction in the number of polio cases worldwide. Rotarians stand at the brink of a great victory and look forward to celebrating the global eradication of polio as we enter our second century of service.