Special Bulletin: District 5220 

      Tsunami Disaster Relief Plan

When I returned from our Project HOPE project in Kenya, I had approximately 100 emails waiting for me about the tragic situation caused by the earthquake and the tsunami in South Asia. Some of those emails were from Rotarians in our District asking what can we do to help. However most of the emails were from Rotarians in the countries affected and they were asking for our help.

I know that we have all been deeply touched by the unbelievable destruction and by the number of lives that have lost because of this tragedy. There is so much that needs to be done. How do we decide how we can best assist with the recovery efforts in this area? I would like to suggest two different ways that we as Rotarians and as Rotary Clubs can concentrate our efforts to assist our friends in South Asia during this time of need.

The first option is based upon a request from a special friend. Last February, all incoming District Governors from throughout the world assembled in Anaheim for our official training at the International Assembly. Diane and I both formed a friendship with Voravut and Anchalee Pongvitayapanu from Thailand. Voravut is the Governor of District 3330 in Thailand, which includes the areas of Thailand that were devastated by the tsunami and earthquake. He has been a very busy man leading a convoy of 15 truckloads of food, water, clothing, medicines, etc. to the southern part of his country, which includes the Phuket and Phang-nga provinces. His specific request is that we assist with the long-term recovery by helping with the construction of low cost shelters, and with the rebuilding of the schools and hospitals. The Rotary Clubs in Thailand have already pledged $100,000 towards this project and this is the area where they have asked us to help.

I would like to suggest that the District collect donations from the clubs and Rotarians, so that by working together we provide more assistance to the people of Thailand. Please make your checks out to “District 5220 Disaster Relief Fund.” Please mail your checks to: Ron Ehrke District 5220 Treasurer PO Box 4339 Modesto, Ca. 95352. All funds collected will be used for this disaster relief project in Thailand. We will also pursue the possibility of a matching grant from the Rotary Foundation to maximize the use of these funds. Several Rotarians have also expressed interest in traveling to Thailand to help with the hands-on implementation of this project.

The second option is that the Rotary Foundation has established the “Solidarity in South Asia” fund to assist with relief efforts. Here are some questions and answers about this special fund:

How can our club/district contribute to relief efforts?
Your club/district can contribute by sending a contribution directly to a club or district in an affected country, contributing to the “Solidarity in South Asia” fund through the usual Rotary Foundation channels, or contributing to international relief agencies, such as the Red Cross or UNICEF.

May contributions to the Solidarity in South Asia fund be designated for specific countries and districts?
No. In order to provide the Trustees and RI Board of Directors the flexibility to respond to the most pressing needs in the affected areas, contributions will not be accepted for specified countries or districts. Donors interested in contributing to a specific region or district should consider the relief funds established by international agencies, clubs, and districts in those areas, some of which are listed on the RI Web site.

How will contributions to the Solidarity in South Asia fund be used?
The decision for the use of these funds will be made by the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation, based on their determination of where they can provide the greatest benefit. Several trustees are from tsunami-affected countries and will be able provide solid insight and be a part of the decision process. All of the funds collected will be used in support of the disaster.

Why isn’t Rotary International or The Rotary Foundation accepting donations for immediate disaster relief?
What makes Rotary International unique and effective is its established network for providing long-term humanitarian assistance to communities in need. To provide immediate relief in the event of a disaster, Rotarians are encouraged to work with longstanding international relief agencies that are equipped to allocate money quickly and effectively to aid disaster victims. After the immediate needs of food, water, and medical supplies have been met, RI and The Rotary Foundation will support clubs in implementing projects such as infrastructure, safe water installations, school equipment, surgery rooms, and more.

I would like to send donations-in-kind. Whom should I contact?
Because individuals in the affected areas have limited access to airports, roads, and bridges, please consider sending funds, which are much easier to accept, rather than donations-in-kind. If you would like to coordinate a donations-in-kind project to assist with longer-term relief efforts, please work with a Rotary club in one of the affected countries.

How can we volunteer to assist with the disaster relief efforts?
Clubs and districts in the affected areas are assessing the damage and working to address immediate needs for food, medical supplies, and water. Humanitarian aid is being administered by local volunteers under the direction of governments and nongovernmental agencies in the region. At a later date, you may wish to offer your assistance as a volunteer. Please work with Rotarians in the affected areas if you want to organize a volunteer effort. The Rotary Foundation’s Individual Grants can be used to fund travel-related expenses of eligible applicants for direct humanitarian service to tsunami victims in need of long-term recovery assistance.

Will Rotarians receive Paul Harris Fellow Recognition for contributions made to the Solidarity in South Asia fund?
No. It is hoped that Rotarians will see these gifts as a donation that does not require recognition. This might be compared to making a gift to the American Red Cross, UNICEF, or another volunteer organization specifically in the interest of covering the needs of the disaster. In order to ensure that the Foundation’s staff and resources are fully dedicated to the urgent task of responding to the disaster and to avoid the additional expense of processing Foundation recognition, no tangible recognition items will be given.

Please contact me if you have any questions about either one of these options.

Thank you for your consideration of these ways that we might be able to help our friends in need. Please keep the people of South Asia in your thoughts and prayers.

David Gallagher