It’s May! We certainly have had a challenging winter and early spring, but spring now is in full bloom. Are you feeling rejuvenated? I know I am. We have new opportunities to make a difference. One of the major ways we make a difference is through our giving to The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund. As of the (almost) end of April, we had achieved 83% of the clubs’ combined goal of $135,889. Based on 1,709 members x $100/member - the Every Rotarian Every Year goal - we could give $170,900 by June 30, 2019, and I would be doing my HAPPY DANCE!!!
You all know that a big piece of our giving comes back to us for use within the district. I want to let you know about how we used our “contingency” line item in the district grant this year. The line item in our grant budget was just under $8,000. We funded two high need areas. The first supported Rotary clubs in the Paradise CA area who funded back-to-school needs for hundreds of children who lost everything in the dreadful fires in that hard-hit area.
We just provided funds for another very needy population. The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, located in the southwest corner of South Dakota, experienced the winter we did multiplied by its remote location, the poverty of the population, and inadequacy of housing. When the thaw occurred throughout Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota, the residents of the reservation endured severe flooding and resulting dislocation/destruction. To add insult to injury within the past month, another severe “snow event” dumped feet of snow there, including high winds and cold. Guess what - more floods have followed.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe (mostly Lakota Sioux) comprises the major portion of the population. Poverty, unemployment, suicide, and significant health issues describe this area. The reservation is remote, and very few non-residents travel there.
Through the miracle known as “Google”, I made contact with the Brattleboro VT Rotary club that has been developing relationships there for almost 10 years. A new Rotarian friend named Marty connected me with the co-director of a 501(c)(3) agency on the reservation. We talked about the needs which are too many to enumerate. DG Kathy and I discussed this opportunity, and the remainder of our contingency fund has been sent to Pine Ridge where we know it will be used wisely. I plan to visit Pine Ridge when I travel to Montana in late June, and will report back with words and pictures.
We have a long and continuing history of supporting international projects. I am very proud that our district is playing a role in assisting the two efforts in our country described above. Join me in ending our 2019-20 Rotary year with a great boost to our annual fund so we can do more. Then, WE CAN ALL DO OUR HAPPY DANCE!!!
Blessed to be part of Rotary and District 6420,
PDG Ruth, DRFCC