Several weeks ago, The Rotary Foundation launched the Rotary Disaster Response Fund to provide direct support for Rotary districts in Eastern Europe providing humanitarian aid to those impacted by the war in Ukraine. The District 5495 Foundation Committee has announced it will match all club contributions with District Designated Funds (up to a combined total of $10,000) made to the Disaster Response Fund. Club contributions must be made directly to the Disaster Response Fund by April 30, 2022. All contributions to Rotary's Disaster Response Fund, through April 30, 2022, will be used to support relief and recovery efforts in Ukraine and surrounding areas. Rotary districts that have been affected by the Ukraine crisis will receive priority access to Disaster Response Grants until June 30, 2022.
The current decision specifically provides that Rotarians in Rotary Districts in (1) Hungary, (2) Poland, (3) Ukraine/Belarus (they are one district), (4) Czech Republic and Slovakia, and (5) Republic of Moldova and Romania are eligible for a Disaster Response Grant of $50,000 until June 30, 2022. When one grant is completed, another grant can be requested, to mobilize donations as soon as possible to make the most difference.
In summary, donations go to Rotary's Disaster Response Fund, and grants are made to Rotary members in the field. This channel of support gives donors the greatest assurance that contributions are going to help those most in need.
Disaster Response Grants may be used to provide basic items such as water, food, medicine, and clothing and for providing immediate aid to support refugees of this crisis. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund in support of Ukraine can be made here. Although the Disaster Response Fund will be the main avenue for Rotary Foundation support, Rotary and Rotaract clubs are also encouraged to create their own responses to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. |
