The war in Ukraine has devastating consequences on civilians as families flee their homes. According to the United Nations, more than 3.5 million women and children have sought refuge in neighbouring countries and Europe. In contrast, about 7 million more people have been displaced within Ukraine.
Rotary and Rotaract clubs in Europe and around the world have taken swift action and are working with members nearby to provide food, water, medical equipment, and shelter for refugees. Some of the latest projects include:
Rotary District 2231 in Poland uses a $50,000 disaster response grant to provide transportation, accommodations, food, and medical assistance for refugees who crossed the border from Ukraine.
Rotary District 2240 in the Czech Republic purchases $50,000 of sleeping bags, medicine, food, defibrillators, EKGs, and oxygen concentrators for victims.
Germany's district governors created a national task force to coordinate member initiatives and relief efforts on an online platform. A liaison office for government agencies and nongovernmental organizations has been established in Berlin.
Rotary clubs throughout France have mobilized to collect and distribute necessities to refugees.
District 1910 in Austria uses a $25,000 disaster response grant to provide accommodations, baby supplies, medicine, hygiene materials, psychological care, food, and appliances to Ukrainian refugees in Austria.
"It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver." A quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi that is topical for the month of April and in the context of the devastating reports coming out of the conflict in Ukraine. At our last meeting, Len spoke to us about an initiative in the Ottawa area that is working to provide urgent relief and support to Ukrainian refugees. We will keep our ear to the ground and be available if there is anything that the Passport Club can do to help.
We are on track to sponsor some promising local students to take part in amazing Rotary youth programs!
We have funds enough to sponsor two students for RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) being held in-person at RKY camp just north of Kingston from May 27-29. We already have one student tentatively lined up. If you know of anyone between the ages of 15-17 who is interested in this wonderful opportunity, please let me know before April 11th. If we still have a spot to fill at that time, we can collaborate with other clubs in the district to sponsor students on the waiting list.
We have enough to also sponsor a student for Rotary Adventure in Citizenship, which will be held virtually on the same weekend, May 27-29. This iteration will include some incredible speakers with extensive knowledge of the Canadian political system. In the interest of keeping things relatively coherent, the deadline for sending me information about potential candidates (aged 16-18) for this program is also April 11th.
Have a great week,
Maddie
From the President-Elect
The March 29 Business meeting did not include voting on proposed revisions to the Bylaws. In response to advice from the District, and to a realization there were some who were not comfortable with the process, that vote has been postponed. The Board will be meeting soon to discuss and agree on proposed bylaw revisions which will subsequently be presented to all members for a vote.
Margaret Shibley
Member Moment
Member Colin Lyle reports on March 15 he visited the Rotary Club of Sandton, near Johannesburg, South Africa. The club has attracted 8 new members from a low of 23 two years ago; all are young and appear to have joined the club for networking; I sat with three who were inducted at the meeting and they all seemed to be interested in everything Rotary represents. They all responded to the club’s posts on FB and other social media - a sign of the future?
Colin says we should not forget that’s how Rotary started in 1905 and how it grew.
Colin expects to visit their next meeting on 5th April and he keep us informed.
Please check all updated information for the District Conference on the district website, www.rotary7040.com, information box top left corner.
Responding to
the Crisis in the Ukraine
In response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, The Rotary Foundation has created an official channel for Rotary members around the world to contribute funds to support the relief efforts underway by Rotary districts and has designated its Disaster Response Fund as the main avenue for contributions.
Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund in support of Ukraine can be made here. All funds need to be received into the Disaster Response Fund by 30 April 2022 in order to qualify for use in support of the Ukrainian relief efforts.
Although the Disaster Response Fund will be the main avenue for Rotary Foundation support, Rotary and Rotaract clubs are also encouraged to create their own responses to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
