Rotary Club President: Bold move for a good cause
Ogunleye, the Rotary Club President has taken a rather unconventional approach towards fundraising by shaving off his decade-old beard to help raise N5 million for the Rotary Foundation. The event, which took place in Lagos, Nigeria, coincided with his birthday and drew in quite a large crowd of well-wishers and supporters who generously contributed to the cause.
The idea of shaving off his beard for charity was inspired by a past United States district governor who Ogunleye met in 2023 at the Rotary International Convention in Australia when he emphasized the importance of making fundraising events interactive and engaging. According to Ogunleye, the conversation stuck with him afterwards, prompting him to turn a personal decision into an impactful opportunity.
“At a retreat in April 2024 in Agbara, I made a bold declaration before my club, I would shave my beard for the Rotary Foundation,” Ogunleye recalled.
The decade-old beard, which had become a signature part of his identity, was shaved off in front of an enthusiastic crowd, symbolizing sacrifice for a greater purpose.
A community united in giving
The event was attended by key figures in the Rotary community, including Rotary District Governor 9111, Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi, who commended Ogunleye’s selfless act. He noted that Ogunleye was not just giving up a personal feature but was making a statement about service and generosity.
“He is giving a part of himself for others,” Kukoyi remarked. “This is for the Rotary Foundation, an organization committed to making a global impact. It takes a kind heart to make such a sacrifice for humanity.”
Also attending the event was the past Assistant Governor, Ezinne Obioha who praised the initiative and described it as a very creative as well as strategic approach to fundraising. She also pointed out that gestures such as this will not only raise funds but also inspire others to find other unique ways to contribute to charities.
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Tech professional Rotarian Mercy Georgie-Igbafe also applauded Ogunleye for his innovative thinking. She referred to the beard-shaving initiative as a reminder of the power of international living.
The N5 million which was raised during the fundraising will be channeled towards the various Rotary Foundation projects that are focused on supporting and improving the living conditions of underprivileged communities. By his unconventional action, Ogunleye has set an unprecedented record for the most creative fundraising while proving that even a little personal sacrifice can translate into a significant contribution to humanitarian efforts.