A seed of connection blossoms into life-saving impact

The Early Detection of Neonatal Brain Damage project in Türkiye will benefit between 500 and 1,000 newborn babies every year.

Reflecting on ANZAC Day in Burnie, Tas, Rotarians Ken Moore and Allan Jamieson considered the remarkable spirit of Rotary International – its power to unite people in building peace and overcoming conflict through hope and collaboration. Their insight comes first-hand, as they’ve played a part in a significant Rotary Foundation global grant project set to make a real difference in Ankara, Türkiye.

The Early Detection of Neonatal Brain Damage project saw the purchase of an Amplitude Integrated Electroencephalography (aEEG) device for the Ankara University Faculty of Medicine Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which will be used in the early diagnosis of disorders/diseases that cause death or significant brain damage in newborn babies.

The aEEG device was delivered to the neonatal unit with a beautiful ceremony held on March 7, 2025. It is expected that 500-1,000 babies will benefit from the device annually.

While the official list of partners and donors for the grant tells an important story, the true heart of it lies in a quiet connection that has blossomed over time. It beautifully demonstrates how even small seeds of Rotary spirit can grow into unexpected and profoundly impactful outcomes.
The collaborative effort brought together the Rotary Club of Ankara International, Türkiye, the Rotary Club of Onah, South Korea, and dedicated Rotarians from across the globe, including two clubs in Zone 8.

The project grew from the lasting connections Ken cultivated during his year as district governor, including several Rotarians in Tür kiye.

A few months ago, the current president of the Rotary Club of Ankara International, Kemal Ozberk, reached out and inquired whether Ken’s club, the Rotary Club of Burnie, might be interested in partnering on a global grant project they were developing. Ken promptly shared it with his club.

As a club, we were deeply impressed by what they were proposing and the clear need it would address,” recalls Allan Jamieson, who had served as the chair of Ken’s District Conference when the Rotary International President’s Personal Representative had been from Türkiye.

“However, at that time, our club’s funds were already committed to ongoing local projects. It was a difficult decision because we truly believed in the project’s potential.”

But Allan felt a strong personal connection to the project, having listened to the proposal and understanding the profound difference the grant could make.

“During my time as a Rotarian, I’ve always been so inspired by the dedication and commitment of people like John Basarin, who spoke at my District Conference about the Turkish side of the Gallipoli campaign,” Allan reflects warmly.

The Amplitude Integrated Electroencephalography device will be used in the early diagnosis of disorders/diseases that cause death or significant brain damage in newborn babies.

“When I heard about the Ankara project and how critical the need was, I simply felt compelled to act.

“Even though my club couldn’t contribute financially at that time, I knew I could personally step in to help make it happen.”

In a generous act that exemplifies the power of individual Rotarian initiative, Allan offered a personal donation of US$1,200 to support the global grant, channelling his contribution through the Rotary Club of Burnie.

“Allan’s decision was truly inspiring. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about his belief in the project and the trust he had in the connections he’d made through Rotary,” says Zone 8 Rotary Foundation Coordinator PDG David Anderson.

“Allan’s decision highlights how deeply the spirit of service can resonate within individuals and how that can translate into real, tangible impact.”

District 9830 Grants Chair Roslyn Teirney wholeheartedly agrees.

Allan’s generosity was so touching. His action truly underscores that Rotary isn’t just about clubs and structures; it’s about the individual Rotarians who live and breathe its principles. The connection he made years ago, the shared experiences within Rotary – that created a foundation of trust that ultimately led to this incredibly generous act of support.

The Early Detection of Neonatal Brain Damage project serves as a wonderful illustration of how global grants can not only address significant community needs on a global scale but also deeply involve and motivate individual Rotarians. The personal connection between Ken, John and Allan, the willingness of a Rotarian to step up with his own resources, and the collaborative spirit of different clubs all demonstrate the potent combination of individual passion and Rotary’s worldwide network.