How Rotary Can Help Haiti
Posted by Mike Kukulski
(Reprinted from Rotary District 6440)
By now you are aware that the earthquake to our South in the country of Haiti is a major catastrophe affecting millions of human beings. We Rotarians have always reached out in challenging circumstances and this time is no different. This disaster reminds us of the New Orleans flood a few years back. Haiti, being a third world country, had problems before the earthquake. The difficulties are now compounded. How can we help as Rotarians?
Our District Humanitarian Committee has authorized up to $50,000 of District Designated Funds (DDF) for the ShelterBox program to be matched by clubs on a dollar per dollar basis. The match per club is $1,000. The District will waive the need to have given $1,000 or more to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund. Clubs that have had one grant may also apply for this match.
As we all know, Rotary is not a first responder to disaster relief. Other groups are equipped with trained personnel to respond immediately. Rotary does an excellent job in following up once the dust settles and the needs are determined. There are 15 Rotary Clubs in Haiti. The largest club is 29 members. As I write this, Rotary International is gathering information from those clubs. Once we know the needs we can proceed and get the paper work going to use our DDF.
The current needs are being met by the first responders. We will not be far behind with projects that will help the people of Haiti.
Some clubs have expressed a desire to send ShelterBoxes to Haiti now. This is a great idea but we in Rotary can't move fast in clearing the paper work. If you wish to do a ShelterBox immediately without the district match you can do so directly with the ShelterBox group. Please use the attached ShelterBox Sponsorship Form. Remember to include your club name. You may also make a direct contribution to Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund via the Rotary Foundation Donor Advised Fund. Please use the attached RF Donor Advised Fund form.
It is very difficult to look at the TV or see pictures in the newspaper or hear reports on the needs and not be able to respond. Please keep in mind this will be a long term project. It will take years to rebuild the infrastructure of Haiti. Rotary will be there as we have been in the past.
If you wish to take advantage of the district match, please send your $1000.00 Matching Grant request for the ShelterBox (the match will be for $1,000, one per club) and once the needs are assessed the project will go forth.
Both forms can be download as one file from the link below. As always they will be available on the District web site at www.Rotary6440.org
Thank you for your Rotary Concern and for supporting the people of Haiti.
RF Donor and Shelterbox link:
http://www.crsadmin.com/gen/Accounts/50032/Eml/57b8370d-d3e8-431b-bb3b-755224c2c08d.pdf
You can Google "Haiti Rotary" and learn more about Rotary Club efforts to support relief for Haiti.
By now you are aware that the earthquake to our South in the country of Haiti is a major catastrophe affecting millions of human beings. We Rotarians have always reached out in challenging circumstances and this time is no different. This disaster reminds us of the New Orleans flood a few years back. Haiti, being a third world country, had problems before the earthquake. The difficulties are now compounded. How can we help as Rotarians?
Our District Humanitarian Committee has authorized up to $50,000 of District Designated Funds (DDF) for the ShelterBox program to be matched by clubs on a dollar per dollar basis. The match per club is $1,000. The District will waive the need to have given $1,000 or more to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund. Clubs that have had one grant may also apply for this match.
As we all know, Rotary is not a first responder to disaster relief. Other groups are equipped with trained personnel to respond immediately. Rotary does an excellent job in following up once the dust settles and the needs are determined. There are 15 Rotary Clubs in Haiti. The largest club is 29 members. As I write this, Rotary International is gathering information from those clubs. Once we know the needs we can proceed and get the paper work going to use our DDF.
The current needs are being met by the first responders. We will not be far behind with projects that will help the people of Haiti.
Some clubs have expressed a desire to send ShelterBoxes to Haiti now. This is a great idea but we in Rotary can't move fast in clearing the paper work. If you wish to do a ShelterBox immediately without the district match you can do so directly with the ShelterBox group. Please use the attached ShelterBox Sponsorship Form. Remember to include your club name. You may also make a direct contribution to Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund via the Rotary Foundation Donor Advised Fund. Please use the attached RF Donor Advised Fund form.
It is very difficult to look at the TV or see pictures in the newspaper or hear reports on the needs and not be able to respond. Please keep in mind this will be a long term project. It will take years to rebuild the infrastructure of Haiti. Rotary will be there as we have been in the past.
If you wish to take advantage of the district match, please send your $1000.00 Matching Grant request for the ShelterBox (the match will be for $1,000, one per club) and once the needs are assessed the project will go forth.
Both forms can be download as one file from the link below. As always they will be available on the District web site at www.Rotary6440.org
Thank you for your Rotary Concern and for supporting the people of Haiti.
RF Donor and Shelterbox link:
http://www.crsadmin.com/gen/Accounts/50032/Eml/57b8370d-d3e8-431b-bb3b-755224c2c08d.pdf
You can Google "Haiti Rotary" and learn more about Rotary Club efforts to support relief for Haiti.