Haiti Needs Our Help

Posted by Jeffry Cadorette, PRID; Board of Directors, ShelterBox USA; Chair, RI Communications Committee
For many of us as Rotarians and Rotaractors, when disaster strikes, the first impulse/question emanating from our head and our heart is, “How can I help?”. That is followed almost immediately with the question of where can I have the greatest impact? Who will be the best steward of my dollars? How can I be sure my assistance will make its way to those most affected? We are fortunate that our official service partner answers all of those questions in a positive and dramatic fashion. How? Because like The Rotary Foundation, ShelterBox has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. How fortunate we are that our service partner, ShelterBox, is not only an experienced first responder, but an effective one as well.  The pictures that you see below are from the Haiti earthquake in 2010.
 
 
The devastation, death toll, number of homes damaged or destroyed, and the thousands who have been displaced from the recent 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Haiti, followed by the impact of Tropical Storm Grace, is an evolving story line. Between now, as I write this, and September 1st when you read it, those numbers will surely have grown.
 
 
We have deployed an emergency response team who will assess damage reports, understand from the communities what they need, and work on the challenging logistics of delivering aid in an area with safety concerns, a fluid political landscape, and during a pandemic. We are also in active discussions with local partners in Haiti, Rotarians on the ground, and other disaster relief organizations to understand the shelter needs and how ShelterBox can best respond to help displaced families in Haiti. It is indeed a process.
You have often heard me say, we can’t help everyone everywhere, but we can always help someone, somewhere. Now is the time for you, your club, and/or your district to help someone and that somewhere right now is in Haiti. 
 
Here is an opportunity to simply click on a link and change a life. Save a life.
 
 
 
No dollar amount is too small. The cumulative effect, the ripple effect, from all of us will truly make a difference. I’ve made my donation. Join me?
 
What about a fundraiser in your community for ShelterBox? That outward facing event can raise the awareness and understanding of both Rotary International and our service partner, ShelterBox. What about a presentation at your club or district about Shelter Box?
Reach back to me at jeffrycadorette@gmail.com and we’ll assist you with either of the above.
 
To learn more about the Rotary/ShelterBox partnership click here.  https://my.rotary.org/en/shelterbox-and-rotary.
 
Know that we appreciate you and all that you do. Know that we appreciate your support in this effort. Most of all, know that there are children and families in Haiti who will be grateful to you for the rest of their lives.
 
Haiti Needs Our Help…