Posted by District Governor Neil Phillips on Jul 13, 2017
A message for all Rotarians in District 7070.  Several people have contacted District Governor Neil Phillips to ask what, if anything, Rotary may be doing to assist those affected and how they can help.  This is an ongoing and developing situation, so the ultimate needs are yet to be determined.  The District Governor in the area most affected has recommended if you wish to support the immediate response and relief needs, then the best route to do that is through the established charities already at work such as The Red Cross or Disaster Aide Canada.  These charities have the resources on the ground now and are at work as the situation continues.  They are also Canada Revenue Agency registered organizations able to issue charitable tax receipts for donations.  It is the District's intent to set up a special and separate fund for contributions to help with recovery once the needs are known and identified.  This fund will be centrally administered and held as a special Rotary account until the local Rotary clubs in the affected areas can assess recovery and possible rebuilding needs in their communities.  These funds would then be made available to the local Rotary clubs for appropriate projects.  Further updates will be provided by the District as things are set in motion.  Our thoughts are with all those affected.