April 5, 2023: Matt Bown, Rotary Club 29 Foundation Treasurer
Sadly, there has been no shortage of tragic news related to extreme hardship for people in disaster areas. From ongoing refugee tragedies related to the conflict in Ukraine and Syria to natural disasters of drought, flooding, and earthquakes in Somalia, Pakistan, and Turkey. Club 29, through the Rotary Club 29 Foundation, consistently strives to impact lives in these disaster areas
Through our Club’s partnership with ShelterBox as a Gold HERO club, we are participating in relief efforts in each of these areas, as well as many others. In addition, our Club has recently participated with direct contributions to Ukrainian refugee relief and to Rotary International’s program to support earthquake recovery efforts in Turkey.
Turkey and Syria Earthquakes
Following powerful earthquakes, over 50,000 people died and 66,000 buildings were damaged. The displacement and lack of shelter during winter months represented a significant humanitarian crisis. ShelterBox has stepped in with tents, blankets, mattresses, and winter coats to provide protection from weather and disease as people work to get back on their feet.
Pakistan Flooding
Severe monsoon flooding in Pakistan has left thousands of people homeless. Flooding has affected 33 million people and damaged around 1 million homes. ShelterBox has provided tents, water filters and carriers, mosquito nets, and solar lights.
Ukrainian Refugees
The war in Ukraine has displaced millions of Ukrainians. ShelterBox, as well as our Club and District have provided support to aid these refugees. ShelterBox focuses on supplies for those living in damaged homes without heat or power. Support includes thermal clothing, solar lights, water carriers, stoves, and emergency repair kits. Our Club and District have provided direct financial support to partner Rotary Clubs in Poland and Moldova to aid them in providing refugees with essential humanitarian relief. In addition, our Club has facilitated and supported Rotary International funding to our partner Moldova club. All together these efforts have resulted in over $120,000 of support for Ukrainian refugees over the past year.
Rotary is an amazing force for good in the world, connecting people and providing opportunities to impact lives wherever needed. Our Club, as always, is an active participant in this Rotary world of good!