HAITI DISASTER RELIEF FUND ESTABLISHED

According to District 7490's District Governor, Suraj Bhatia, several Rotarians from District 7490 were working on a Rotary project near the city of Les Cayes, Haiti, when the earthquake hit. Les Cayes, the third largest city in Haiti is about 100 miles from Port-au-Prince. Mr. Bhatia commented: "These Rotarians were able to provide us with real-time information on what was happening in the ar-ea. In addition, some of our local Haitian partners, such as the Rotary Club of Les Cayes and Hospital Imamaculee Conception (the local hospital in Les Cayes) have provided us with ongoing information."

Indications are that large numbers of people from Port-au-Prince are coming into Les Cayes, putting tremendous pressure on the community. Medical supplies are in very short supply as is shelter for the refugees. In response, District 7490 has set up the District 7490 Haiti Disaster Relief Fund. The primary purpose of the Fund is to provide money to purchase medical supplies and shelter (including shelter boxes) for Les Cayes, as well as to address other specific Haitian relief needs as they arise.

District Governor Bhatia added: "We at Rotary know we can make a difference. Rotary is unique in its ability to interface, Rotarian to Rotarian, in locations all over the world. With its network of over 1.2 million Rotarians in 33,000 Rotary Clubs worldwide, Rotary can have an immediate and direct impact on local conditions. Through the presence of our members in Les Cayes,

and our relationships with local organizations, we are confident that Rotary District 7490 can support relief efforts in that area very effectively in a real and tangible way."

Since District 7490 has no office or administrative costs, 100% of the money donated to the Fund will go directly toward Haiti disaster relief. Rotarian volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the Rotary motto "Service Above Self."

If you wish to support the District's efforts, please make your check out to "Walter D. Head Foundation, which is District 7490 charitable organization. Write "Haiti Relief Fund" on the memo line of the check and mail it to Haiti Relief Fund, Attn.: Assistant Governor Ray Falcon, C/O Falcon & Singer, P.C., 221 West Avenue, Montvale, New Jersey 07465-1729. For more infor-mation on Rotary District 7490 and Rotary International, please visit the District website: http://www.rotarydistrict7490.org