With a tragic loss of life exceeding 50,000, we have all been moved by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Districts have unique opportunities to support immediate relief for those affected, not only by these disasters, but also by the flooding in Pakistan and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
As Rotarians, we are people of action, anxious to help those in need. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation have authorized contributions to the Turkey/Syria Disaster Response Fund through March 31st to be directed to humanitarian relief efforts to help people in urgent need of housing, medical care, and other necessary basics.
The Trustees had previously established temporary funds to respond to the flooding in Pakistan and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Contributions to both the Pakistan fund and the Ukraine fund will be accepted through December 31st. The funds will be available to districts through grants until June 30th, 2024. After that, any funds that haven’t been spent will be transferred to the general Disaster Response Fund to be used for disasters worldwide.As district leaders, here’s what you can do NOW to help these communities:
- Make cash donations to one or more of these funds, and urge others to do so;
- Contribute District Designated Funds to any of the efforts;
- Educate your clubs about the response funds to help Turkey and Syria and Pakistan and Ukraine;
- Use Raise for Rotary to fundraise among your colleagues, friends, and family.