Rotarians and Friends:
Please see the below message to our District 6440 community regarding support for Ukraine.
Thank you for your inquiries and all you do as servants to humanity!
Peace.
Kevin Stevens
March 5, 2022
Dear Rotarian,
Over the past several days we have been stunned by the unfathomable devastation being wrought on the people of Ukraine. While the destruction and human toll is heart wrenching, I am once again inspired by the impulsive desire of Rotarians to provide support and comfort.
Many members of District 6440 are inquiring how we might best support efforts in this crisis. We have evaluated several ongoing activities and communicated with Rotary leadership seeking guidance how you as individuals and/or clubs may take action. In that spirit I am writing this email to inform you of several ways that you and your Rotary club can provide aid. This is certainly not all inclusive, and we encourage you to support any legitimate humanitarian efforts as you may desire.
1. For those who would like to donate through the District 6440 Charitable Fund we have activated an online Ukraine donation portal. Once we have collected significant funds we will determine where to best contribute for relief efforts. Please select option one at this link to donate through District 6440: https://form.jotform.com/62386028569971
2: Our River Cities club has a well established relationship with the Rotary Club of Kyiv International and is directly supporting their efforts on the ground providing food, blankets, hygiene and baby needs. The Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield is supporting this effort with the opportunity to expedite your charitable donation using this secure link or texting Aid4Ukraine to 44321. Checks can also be made payable to Rotary Club of River Cities and delivered to club treasurer Alex Todd at Prospect Heights Library, 12 Elm Street in Prospect Heights, 60070. The club goal is $5,000.00 by Tuesday. Can we double that?
3. Rotary International partner Shelter Box is fully engaged and on the ground in Ukraine. You can learn more about their objectives and directly support their efforts here.
4. Last but not least, the Rotary Foundation has established a specific Ukraine Disaster Response Channel supporting humanitarian efforts. Clubs in the region and offering direct support can apply for expedited grants of up to $50,000.00. The Foundation also provides guidance on additional opportunities and an update on partnerships and efforts that RI is engaging. For more information and to support this specific campaign visit THIS LINK.
In the coming weeks and months, there will certainly be additional opportunities to provide support. Please keep an eye on your inbox and the District Facebook page - we will provide more information when practical as it becomes available.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, please contact me - and I thank you in advance for your benevolence.
Peace.
Kevin