Pakistan - RI response

Dear Rotarians:

We are deeply saddened to hear of the recent floods in Pakistan, and we are touched by the commitment of Rotarians to assist the communities affected by this disaster. Rotary International is coordinating relief and recovery 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 RI Staff at relief@rotary.org to learn about current relief and recovery efforts.

Also, The Rotary Foundation has established the Rotary Pakistan Flooding Recovery Fund for the purpose of collecting funds in the form of cash and District Designated Funds (DDF) to be used to assist disaster affected areas of Pakistan. The funds will be collected until 31 December 2010 and will be used as the Foundation’s match for Matching Grant applications that are received for disaster recovery efforts. Details about the fund are available on the RI website.

We have been in contact with District Governor Syed Balkhi (District 3271) and District Governor Shehzad Ahmed (District 3272) to offer assistance in publicizing any relief efforts that clubs in Pakistan are implementing. An article will be posted to the home page of the RI website with details on Rotary club involvement in relief efforts and how you can help.

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,

Ed Futa

Ed Futa, General Secretary
Rotary International