ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
18 January 2010
Dear Rotarians:
We are deeply saddened to hear of the recent earthquake in Haiti, and we are touched by the commitment of Rotarians to assist the communities affected by this disaster. Rotary International is coordinating relief efforts, and we are writing to you today to provide you with information on how you may work through Rotary to make a significant contribution toward alleviating this major humanitarian crisis.
Rotary International coordinates information and provides resources on club and district disaster relief efforts. When informed of local relief initiatives, RI shares updates about these efforts on the RI website. Rotarians wishing to contribute funds or donated goods to disaster victims can visit the website or contact the International Service Programs Section at relief@rotary.org to learn about current relief and recovery efforts.
Also, The Rotary Foundation has established the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, a donor advised fund, for the purpose of collecting contributions for earthquake victims. Details about the fund have been posted on the RI website. Please note that all contributions must be in U.S. dollars, and only U.S. tax receipts will be issued. Additionally, District Designated Funds cannot be accepted.
We have been in contact with District Governor Errol C. Alberga to offer assistance in publicizing any relief efforts that clubs in Haiti are implementing on RI’s online projects database, ProjectLINK. Any disaster recovery projects registered by District 7020 will be posted on ProjectLINK on a priority basis. Additionally, articles have been posted to the home page of the RI website with details on Rotary club involvement in relief efforts and how you can help.
Rotarians may contact Governor Alberga directly at al.gram@cwjamaica.com
or visit the District 7020 website.
As always, when organizing a response to a local or international disaster, we encourage Rotary clubs and districts to work with experienced emergency relief organizations such as UNICEF, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Doctors Without Borders, ShelterBox, Aquabox, and World Water Works to meet the immediate needs of victims affected by the disaster.
It is our hope that with your meaningful and rapid response to this appeal, you will be able to help rebuild the future for millions of innocent people affected by this crisis. Thank you for your commitment to helping disaster victims.
Sincerely,
John Kenny, President
Rotary International
Glenn E. Estess Sr., Trustee Chairman
The Rotary Foundation
Ed Futa, General Secretary
Rotary International
