Rotary District 5960 Offices 211 County Road 1 E PO Box 126 Dundas, MN 55019
Phone: 651.636.9054
Rotary District 5960 Ships 2,680 Mobility Devices Through Crutches 4 Africa
Rotarians across District 5960 once again demonstrated the power of service and collaboration through the 2026 Crutches 4 Africa collection effort.
Throughout the past year, 23 Rotary clubs collected nearly 3,000 gently used mobility devices from communities across our district.
The initiative was led by Bill Leonard and the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club, whose outstanding leadership, coordination, and commitment have been the driving force behind Crutches 4 Africa in our district for many years. Their vision and dedication ensure this life-changing project continues to grow and make a difference.
The effort culminated on June 6 and 7, when Rotarians and volunteers gathered to sort, organize, and load a 53-foot semi-trailer. By the end of the weekend, the trailer was filled with 2,680 mobility devices and related equipment bound for Mexico, where the items will provide life-changing assistance to thousands of individuals and families.
District Governor Glenn Bowers joined volunteers in the loading effort, helping celebrate another successful year of one of District 5960's signature service projects.
White Bear Lake Rotary Earns Super Star Recognition in Unite for Water Initiative
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of White Bear Lake and all participating clubs in the 2025–26 Unite for Water initiative for their commitment to learning about water issues, building community partnerships, and taking action through meaningful water-related projects.
This year, 16 projects representing 14 Rotary clubs across District 5960 helped advance water stewardship, environmental awareness, and community engagement.
A special congratulation goes to White Bear Lake Rotary, which earned "Super Star" Recognition for successfully completing three impactful projects:
Promoting the Adopt-a-Drain Program
Rotary Nature Preserve
WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Kiosks in Two Communities
These projects exemplify Rotary's commitment to protecting water resources both locally and globally while educating communities about the importance of clean water and environmental sustainability.
The five Rotary districts participating in Unite for Water—Districts 5580, 5950, 5960, 5970, and 5610—continue to demonstrate that small actions create big impact.
As Rotary members work together to improve water quality, protect watersheds, and expand access to safe water and sanitation, they are truly living the initiative's call to action:
"Act Today for Water Tomorrow."
Together, Rotary members are creating cleaner water, healthier communities, and a stronger future for all.
Rotary Friendship Exchange to Southern Brazil Announced for 2026-27
Rotary District 5960 is excited to announce its 2026-27 Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) partnership with Rotary District 4640 in southern Brazil. This unique international exchange offers Rotarians the opportunity to build lasting friendships, experience another culture firsthand, and learn how Rotary clubs around the world are making a difference in their communities.
District 4640 covers the western and southwestern regions of the State of Paraná, one of Brazil's most vibrant and economically important states. The district includes dozens of Rotary clubs serving communities throughout the region and is known for its strong commitment to service, fellowship, and international collaboration.
The District 5960 outbound team will travel to Brazil from September 6–15, 2026, where participants will stay in the homes of local Rotarians, visit Rotary projects, attend club meetings, and experience Brazilian culture through the eyes of their hosts. One of the highlights of the trip will be a visit to the world-famous Iguazu Falls, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfall systems in the world.
Rotary Friendship Exchange is designed to strengthen international understanding, promote goodwill, and foster partnerships that often lead to future service projects and lifelong friendships. Participants return with a deeper appreciation for Rotary's global reach and the many ways Rotary members create positive change across borders.
District 5960 is seeking a team of 12 Rotarians and partners to participate in this exciting adventure. Applications are now being accepted, and interested individuals are encouraged to apply soon.
This exchange promises an unforgettable combination of Rotary fellowship, cultural immersion, and international service learning. If you have ever wanted to experience Rotary on a global scale, this is your opportunity.
For additional information and application materials, contact the District 5960 Rotary Friendship Exchange Committee.
"Rotary opens doors to the world—not only through service, but through friendship."
Rotary Friendship Exchange Strengthens International Connections Between Minnesota, Wisconsin, and A
Rotary District 5960 is proud to welcome eight Rotarians from Rotary District 4895 in Argentina as part of the Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) program. The visiting delegation will spend June 1–11 exploring communities throughout southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin while experiencing firsthand the hospitality, service, and fellowship that define Rotary.
The Rotary Friendship Exchange is a unique opportunity for Rotarians from different countries to build lasting relationships, share ideas, and learn from one another's cultures and service projects. Through these exchanges, Rotary members strengthen international understanding while discovering new ways to create positive change in their communities.
The visiting team represents Rotary clubs from Buenos Aires, Escobar, and Rojas, Argentina. During their stay, they will be hosted in the homes of District 5960 Rotarians, providing a personal glimpse into American family life, traditions, and communities. Host clubs throughout the district will welcome the visitors to meetings, showcase local businesses and community projects, and highlight the many ways Rotary serves throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The visit follows a successful outbound exchange earlier this spring when seven District 5960 Rotarians and two guests traveled to Argentina. During their April visit, the team toured businesses, healthcare facilities, and community organizations while learning about service initiatives led by District 4895 Rotarians. One memorable experience included visiting a nonprofit workshop serving individuals with disabilities, where participants demonstrated the handcrafted products that help support the organization's mission.
The District 5960 delegation also enjoyed tours of historic sites, cultural attractions, and local communities throughout Argentina. A special highlight was attending District 4895's conference, where Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo addressed attendees and shared Rotary's global vision under his presidential theme, "Unite for Good."
These exchanges exemplify Rotary's commitment to building goodwill and understanding around the world. By opening their homes, sharing their communities, and learning from one another, Rotarians continue to strengthen the international bonds that make Rotary one of the world's leading service organizations.
District 5960 extends its sincere appreciation to all host families, clubs, and volunteers who have made this exchange possible. We are honored to welcome our Argentine Rotary friends and look forward to the friendships, ideas, and opportunities for collaboration that will continue long after the exchange concludes.
For more information about the Rotary Friendship Exchange program, contact RFE Coordinator Rob Howard.
Rotary clubs across Rotary District 5960 are encouraged to begin preparing now for 2026–27 District and Global Grant opportunities. The District Grants Team has released the official submission and review schedule, along with required training and workshop information to help clubs successfully plan impactful projects both locally and internationally.
Global Grant project submissions are due Friday, May 15, 2026, with project reviews taking place on Friday, May 29 from 1:30–3:00 PM. Registration LINK
District Grant project submissions are due Friday, May 29, 2026, with project reviews scheduled for Friday, June 19 from 1:30–3:30 PM. Registration LINK
Clubs pursuing grant funding should ensure they complete all required grant qualification steps, including Grants Management Seminar participation and submission requirements. Early planning is encouraged, especially for projects involving partnerships, international collaboration, or community-based initiatives.
Whether your club is working to improve literacy, expand access to clean water, support youth programs, strengthen community health, or develop sustainable international partnerships, Rotary grants continue to provide opportunities to create lasting impact.
Additional grant resources, training information, submission requirements, and application details can be found at: