International Service Committee

Ukraine Humanitarian Assistance
 
With deep regret, many Rotary service projects have been placed on hold in Ukraine for the indefinite future. Here are some ways you can support the Ukrainians who are suffering because of the attack on their democracy. Here are opportunities to make donations and connect with service opportunities.
 
The District 65250 Foundation is accepting donations for Ukrainian Humanitarian Assistance. Funds will be directed by the District Foundation Board to legitimate organizations responding to the humanitarian needs of Ukrainians and refugees. Donations by credit card using the Donate Now button at https://www.rotary6250.org/50254/Page/Show?ClassCode=Page&Slug=district-6250-foundation. A check can be sent to: Rotary District 6250 Foundation, Inc., c/o Treasurer Val Schroeder, 1723 Chadbourne Ave, Madison, WI 53726.
John Germ, Trustee Chair, The Rotary Foundation shared the following opportunity:
 
As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, Rotary has made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We are deeply concerned about the Ukraine crisis and need your help.

Rotary is made up of people of action, especially in difficult times. In response to the deepening refugee crisis, The Rotary Foundation Trustees have decided to prioritize contributions made to the 
Disaster Response Fund until 30 April 2022 to support disaster response grants for districts affected by these events. These expedited disaster response grants can be used to supply water, food, medicine, shelter, and clothing.
 
Half a million people have fled Ukraine and are in dire need of emergency aid. The United Nations estimates that number of refugees could grow to as many as 5 million people displaced. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families.
 
With your donation to our Disaster Response Fund, we can support communities and help rebuild lives during this tragic time.  https://my.rotary.org/en/donate
 
PDG Rich Kaye, Region 36 Foundation Coordinator, also shared the following opportunities:
 
  • PDG Chehab Elawar launched a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe - https://gofund.me/05876825. All collected funds will be managed by Rotary Ukraine for the benefit of youth and their families affected by the military aggression.
 
  • Rotary is in contact with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees – USA to prepare and respond to the needs of those being displaced in Ukraine and to neighboring countries. https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/
 
  • ShelterBox, our project partner for disaster response, is in communication with Rotary members in Eastern Europe to explore how it may offer support with temporary transitional housing and other essential supplies. Check their website for emerging opportunities: https://www.shelterboxusa.org/
 
Rotary International Official Statement  
It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world.  
 
At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there.  Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world. 
 
As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission.  We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue.  
 
In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence. Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support, and peace to the region.
 

Global Grant: Chippewa Falls Rotary Club

The Chippewa Falls Rotary Club is excited about the recent approval of our 2nd Global Grant, in collaboration with the Rotary Tunari Club of Cochabamba Bolivia and Agua Tuya.  Anzaldo is an agricultural community in a rural area of Cochabamba, Bolivia.  Anzaldo’s sewage is currently collected and discharged raw into a river, contaminating the water supply for downstream users – including irrigation of agricultural food products. A new wastewater treatment plant will be built to treat sewage and make clean water available for agricultural irrigation. 
 
Total project costs are $256,000, of which Rotary will be providing $156,000.  At the club level we raised more than $52,000, which was then matched by the District and the RI Foundation.   Thank you to District 6250 and Rotary International for supporting this project.  If it’s a Global Grant project – it’s also a District project and you are all supporting this one.   Special thanks for the direct support from the other 5 clubs in Group One (Chippewa Valley After Hours,  Eau Claire Morning, Eau Claire Noon,  Menomonie Sunrise, Menomonie Noon) as well as the Ketchikan First City, Alaska club. We are currently working with RI to gather pledged money and make sure proper Paul Harris credit is attributed.
 
Rotary clubs in Chippewa Falls, WI and Cochabamba Bolivia have a rich history together.  David Crane, a Chippewa Falls dentist and long-time Rotarian, first visited Bolivia in the 1980’s.  He worked with Rotary to establish several dental and medical facilities in Bolivia and Latin America. David routinely invited other Rotarians along on his annual trips to establish multiple connections between our clubs.  In 2005 we learned that the Rotary Club of Ketchikan First City Alaska was working with Rotary Tunari on a water distribution project.  We were invited to participate and have since been involved with several water projects.  We’ve also collaborated with Rotary Tunari to support smaller projects in Cochabamba involving Burn Units, Health Education, Police on Bicycles, Playgrounds, and more. Our first Global Grant project in the Tiquirani municipality of Cochabamba, Bolivia was completed in 2016 and provides clean water to more than 5,000 people.
 
With David’s encouragement, several members of the Chippewa Falls club have visited Bolivia and are involved with our efforts there.  These include Cathy Statz, Jim Barnier, Aaron Widiker, and Mark Broses. Each member contributes unique talents and experiences and we are always recruiting new enthusiasts.  A return trip to Bolivia is in the works for March 2023 to check on the status of past and current projects, renew our friendships, and scope out other opportunities to do good.  If you want more information please contact markbroses@gmail.com or other members of the Chippewa Falls Rotary Club.
 
The District 6250 International Service Committee (ISC) includes several Rotarians with experience on projects around the world.  We try to keep track of what is going on with international projects around 6250 and we are excited to share our knowledge and connections.  Please let us know us what your club is doing and/or if you’d like some help getting started, please drop an email to ISC Committee Chair PDG Chuck Hanson at  ceh@haleskemp.com
 
 
Yours in Rotary Service,
Chuck Hanson, ISC District Chair
ceh@haleskemp.com