PDG Bonnie Sirower on Disaster Aid

On Thursday, November 21, Past District Governor Bonnie Sirower attended the Park Ridge Rotary Club's monthly cocktail hour meeting at The Cornerstone in Hillsdale to talk briefly about the upcoming District Conference and then more significantly about the District's disaster relief efforts.

Bonnie handed out the updated rates for the District Conference cruise to Bermuda and urged that members attend. If you are interested in going but you do not have anyone to go with contact Bonnie. There are a few people looking for roommates on the cruise.

Next, Bonnie spoke about last year’s regional weather disaster and commended Peter Wells on his hard work after SuperStorm Sandy. She was very proud and overwhelmed by the district’s response and the great amount of donations received.

Her current focus is on recent disasters in Indiana, Illinois, and in the Philippines. Tornadoes in the Midwest left hundreds without homes. In the Philippines, Typhoon Haiyan has affected nearly 10 million people. More than 5,000 have lost their lives and more than 600,000 have been displaced from their homes. Bonnie attended the Disaster Relief USA meeting earlier this week and she said that all donations for the Philippines should be monetary to help rebuild the infrastructure. The current devastation has left them without places to accept goods. 

With reference to the most recent tragedy in the Philippines, two affiliates of Rotary International, Shelter Box (http://www.shelterboxusa.org ) and Disaster Aid USA (http://www.disasteraidusa.com ) are currently on the ground providing assistance. 

Desperately needed right now are Sawyer point water filters, SWAGS (Back pack bed), cooking utensils and shelter.  Bonnie urged members to do whatever they can to support them.