IN his article "Do not be fooled: Nigel Farage is a threat to democracy" (The Herald, July 4) Neil Mackay writes that “the threat [to democracy] will come from a kind of Rotary Club fascism”. As a membership organisation that strives to be inclusive with all members of the communities it serves it was a disappointing read and is not a reflective view of what Rotary and its members stand for.

The primary focus of Rotary is to provide humanitarian relief across the world, as well as providing real support to local communities at home such as supporting local food banks or helping young people develop employment skills. With changes in the economic climate, our place in society is more important than ever.

We hear daily stories from our clubs about our members being out and about in the community, not only welcoming those seeking asylum but working with people to help them find homes, jobs and relevant support.

Rotary is made up of people who are passionate about improving communities and our diverse membership reflects this with different ages, backgrounds, cultures and viewpoints all working together on one common ethos: to make a difference to our world.

We have six Areas of Focus that we carry through with us in each of our endeavours, including educating those without access to basic education, saving the lives of mothers and children worldwide, helping communities to get access to water and sanitation, helping economies and communities develop, brokering peace and preventing diseases.

As a non-political and non-religious organisation, Rotarians cannot be characterised into merely a few words and our community may well be the solution to get through further troubling times.

Donna Wallbank,

President of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland,

Alcester, Warwickshire.