Hurricane Helene has created devastating conditions for people in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. We grieve with the families who are mourning the loss of life. Our thoughts are with people who have been displaced because of the storm. As families and businesses are surveying the property damage—currently estimated to cost between $15 billion and $26 billion USD we walk with them with a vision of hope and rebuilding.As many of you know, the Southeast region of the United States is a popular destination for American and Canadian Rotarians. Past District Governor Melisa Schrock, who resides in Florida, recently shared:
Our internet is down, and cell service is spotty. So, it’s hard to communicate! We are safe and cleaning up. We lost almost everything in our garage, but it pales compared to what others have failed. Every one of my neighbors in this development has suffered some loss. Two doors down, my best friend lost everything… and they have no flood insurance. I cry every time I drive in and out of the development, seeing all the loss.
Rotarians are People of Action motivated to assist in the short-term, mid-term, and long-term relief of communities impacted by natural disasters. For individuals and clubs who would like to make a difference, we would like to share these resources with you for consideration:
Immediate Relief: Zones 33/34
The Rotary Foundation: Canadian Rotarians or US Rotarians who would like to donate directly to The Rotary Foundation Disaster Relief Fund can make a tax- deductible donation by your country's tax agency by visiting here.
If you have questions about these opportunities, please get in touch with District Rotary Foundation Chair Lisa Bishop or Aaron Carlson.
- Immediate Relief: Zones 33/34, the regional structure designed to support Rotary Districts in the impacted area, has a Foundation independent of The Rotary Foundation. This is a quick way for your dollars to respond to local needs that will support the efforts of volunteers by providing equipment, tools, storage, mobile storage, etc. This is a 501(c)3 eligible for tax-deductible contributions by US IRS regulations. To donate, please visit their website here.
- The Rotary Foundation: Canadian Rotarians or US Rotarians who would like to donate directly to The Rotary Foundation Disaster Relief Fund can make a tax- deductible donation by your country's tax agency by visiting here. Note that The Rotary Foundation does not designate disaster relief by incident. Rotary Districts can apply for a general pool of money to address short-term, mid-term, and long-term needs. RI Director Patrick Eakes of Zones 33/34 has indicated they will take advantage of the Rotary Disaster Relief Fund by making applications across the impacted districts.
- Aaron Carlson