By: Jen Fullmer, In October’s District Newsletter, I provided a brief overview of the story of my Afghan friend, Hakim. We finally received confirmation that he and his family will start arriving in Maine over the next three weeks. In my October article, I mentioned that there would be an opportunity for Rotarians to help this family…and there is! Rotary District 7780 has a fantastic opportunity to provide critical support for this immigrant family, aligning with the criteria outlined under Rotary’s Promoting Peace area of focus.
Education and employment are Hakim’s number one priorities for his family. As such, I am requesting funding to purchase four laptop computers. This would provide one computer for each adult professional in his family and his high school aged son. Hakim’s oldest son, middle son, and daughter will need computers to do all the online preparation to work on US certifications in their professions and his youngest son will need it for school. Estimated cost of each laptop is $800, including windows and security programs, for a total of $3200.
Can we get 32 of our district clubs to each contribute $100 to this effort? Together, we can make District 7780 the outstanding contributor to the education, professional development, and integration success of one of Maine’s newest contributing immigrant families.
If you or your club is willing to contribute, please…make your check out to Rotary District 7780 and mail it to our District Treasurer
Nancy Hawes
23 Ashbourne Court
South Portland, ME 04106
Note from District Governor Dick Hall
I feel this project is worthy of a district-wide fundraising effort. Both the personal connection to Jen Fullmer of Saco-Biddeford RC and the need to help this Afghan family become productive citizens in Maine. They supported America’s efforts in Afghanistan and we want to support them here in their new home.
Here is an immediate opportunity for our district to help the family that Jen and her husband rescued. My request is for clubs to donate, if they can. Some clubs do not have the ability and some clubs have the ability to do more. If your club or you personally can help, it will be very much appreciated.
I would also encourage you to hear Jen tell the incredible story of how so many former armed forces colleagues, working with their contacts in Afghanistan, were able to pull this family out in the just nick of time.