We are writing to ask for your Rotary District, Club and personal support for the great challenges facing Albertans in District 5360 as a result of the recent Flood Disaster. We appreciate the opportunity to give an update on the situation and to provide information on our efforts to source financial support for the task of rebuilding lives and communities that lies ahead for the affected communities.
The floods came fast and furious and effected communities along a 300 km watershed from the mountains to the Saskatchewan border. Major damage was done in several communities including Canmore, Calgary, High River, Medicine Hat, two First Nations Communities and lesser damage in other communities. As an example, in High River alone, a town of 15,000 people, over 1000 homes are not habitable and will require significant renovations or demolition with continual concern about whether or not insurance covers the nature of the disaster. Don't be misled by the news reports that indicate people have been allowed back into their homes. In many cases this only means that they have been allowed to return and see the extent of damage and will remain displaced for some time. I am sure most of you have seen the news reports so I don't need to provide further detail.
Albertans, Rotarians and our governments have responded as we would all hope......both volunteer time and financial contributions.... but we need as much help as we can get. The fact that you would even consider our request speaks volumes about the Family of Rotary and that bond we all share.
The challenge of rebuilding lives and communities will remain when the emergency aid workers complete their work and leave these areas. We believe this is where Rotary will have an important and ongoing role. While we may not have the resources to rebuild houses we do have the ability and resources to help rebuild lives and communities. Many of our clubs do great work around the world but it is now time to turn inward and, out of necessity, to do more of that good work at home.
Effective immediately, we are soliciting Clubs, individuals, corporations and Districts for funds to support the rebuilding of lives and life in these communities. Cheques should be made payable to “Calgary Sarcee Rotary - District 5360 Flood Relief” to allow us to process the donations immediately. These funds will be available for all the affected communities in the District. Please mail donations to the address included on the attached form.
Rotary Districts may wish to use Rotary Foundation District Grant funds to assist flood victims in Alberta.
Equally as important as the fundraising are the mechanics of dispersing these funds back in support of the community projects in the affected areas. You should be aware that concurrent with this request a Disaster Relief Task Force has been formed and District Leadership is working on procedures to support and work with the clubs in the affected areas.
Fellow Rotarian and Friends of Rotary, thank you again for concern and consideration of financial support. We also encourage you to forward this on to any organization or individual who may assist in any way.
If either of Mike or I can provide further information please contact us immediately.
Yours Respectfully in Rotary
Pat Killoran, Governor District 5360
Killoran.rotary@shaw.ca
Task Force Co-Chair
403 393 0506 cell
Mike French, PDG
Task Force Co-Chair
MikeFrench.Rotary@gmail.com
403 850 6421 cell