Story & Motivation
It all started with the idea of "a lounge for Rotarians at Zurich Airport" ... and it turned into a vision of "lounges for Rotarians at airports worldwide".
Hermann Delliehausen, longtime Rotarian and founding father of our club "Rotary Zurich Club Circle International (RCZCI)" said one year ago at one of our Project Charity Workshops: "I want a Rotary Lounge at Zurich Airport. Wouldn't it be great if Rotarians in transit or even departing could have a place to comfortably bridge their waiting time and to meet other Rotarians." To some, this idea sounded crazy, but the airport fans among us were totally enthusiastic about it. We believe that we need more uncomplicated Rotarian meeting places and at the airport one spends a lot of time, or rather often too much time. Why not spend this time pleasantly, make new Rotarian friends and do something good? From every entrance fee a certain amount will be donated to the worldwide Rotary "End Polio Now" project. In numbers; with each Lounge entrance fee of 30 CHF 50 children can be vaccinated against polio! This is true Rotary spirit, which is why the lounge should also be open to fellow business partners and family. A few rounds of conversation and a few glasses of wine later, we said to ourselves: "We want to connect people not only in Zurich, but worldwide, and carry Rotary's ideals out into the world." The vision "Rotary Airport Lounges worldwide" was born.
Zurich Airport will be the starting point from July 1, 2023; Aspire Lounges in the Airside Center and Terminal E will warmly welcome Rotarians. Further talks are planned in Basel and Geneva, and if successful, more lounges at airports in Europe in 2024.
We encourage all Rotarians to take advantage of the offer and tell their Rotary friends about it. Thank you very much.
