Around the world

Rotary members carry out a range of international programmes and activities designed to reach out to people in need throughout the world.

In many countries, millions die of starvation and from diseases that could be prevented by clean water, proper sanitation or medicines.

Children often become adults without having access to even a basic education. Without books, they cannot learn to read.

Rotary members in Great Britain and Ireland use their skills and links to clubs in other countries to alleviate some of the main causes of death, illness and deprivation. Projects include programmes aimed at the:

• Eradication of poverty, hunger and malnutrition
• Improvement of water supplies and sanitation
• Reduction of child mortality
• Control of diseases
• Achievement of education for all

When natural disasters strike, anywhere in the world, Rotarians are usually the first people out and about within hours, organising collections and raising large sums of money for the various charities that are best equipped to provide relief for those in need.

Rotarians can read more about the work of the RIBI International Service Resource Group (members' area), but the following report highlights some of its current focuses, pre-Christmas 2010, for the benefit of non-members:

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Haiti

The cholera epidemic in Haiti, a bitter legacy of the 12th January 2010 earthquake, continues to spread, with more than 1,100 people having died as a result of the disease and over 20,000 confirmed cases. Clean drinking water continues to be a priority and Water Survival Box continues to send supplies, which have been distributed by the Haitian Ministry of Health. They are grateful to Rotarians for their support, which has reached a total of £219,000 since 1st July.

Lifestraws, with additional funding from RIBI, continues to supply thousands of much-needed life-saving 'personal' and 'family' filter straws despite problems encountered at Customs. Funding has also been agreed by the trustees of the RIBI Donations Trust to support the building of a Jaipur Limb Centre.

Pakistan

The situation in Pakistan following the July 2010 floods is still giving rise for concern. The Resource Group has made contact with the district governor in the affected area, who is grateful for our concern and he has promised to highlight any need. Trade Aid has also offered to support the rebuilding of communities with their trade boxes.

ShelterBox

ShelterBox has recently announced the first cost increase of its acclaimed disaster box - from £490 to to £590 - since the charity's launch in April 2000. The contents of the box provide displaced families in a disaster situation with a range of equipment and shelter essential to survival. The new Mark V tent is superior to its predecessor and is suitable for use in all climates. In certain situations, the box includes a new wood-burning stove, which in turn adds to the cost. ShelterBox continues to provide an excellent response in disaster situations.

Serbia

The lack of news coverage across GB&I of the 3rd November Kraljevo earthquake means the affected population is suffering through lack of publicity. Reports from the city are heart breaking, especially those relating to the main Roma community. Any help we can generate would be appreciated. Blythswood Care has been delivering aid, and donations have been received from the Rotary Clubs of Rochester, Maidstone Riverside and Sandwich, totalling £1,600. Other donations have enabled 20 tonnes of food to be ordered for a soup kitchen. The 26 pallets of food will be sent by truck, on behalf of District 1120, and will be handed over to the Red Cross via the Rotary Club of Kraljevo.

Ukraine

A number of charities are working with the Rotary clubs in Odessa to help the homeless and supply medical aid. The Red Cross also asked us for clothing for the homeless as their drop-in centre is desperate for warm winter clothing. The children's hospital has asked for medical disposable items as they are short of catheters for newborn babies, and suction tubes, and the local hospice is desperate for sheets, incontinence pads and dressings.

The International Aid Trust is working closely with Rotary in Odessa, where the Trust has a main distribution centre. World Jewish Relief has recently reported that they are working with the Red Cross and the Rotary Club of Odessa. Don Stevenson, president of the Rotary Club of Ayr and his wife, Ludmilla, have also promised to use their contacts in the Ukraine to help. This again shows the value of the international network of Rotarians working together.

Shoe Box Scheme

The Rotary Shoe Box Scheme continues, as it has done for many years, to collect and distribute gifts, not just at Christmas but thoughout the year, to children in Romania, Belarus, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Albania, Croatia and Kosovo.

Literacy

Our commitment to encourage clubs across GB&I to consider an international literacy project in this Rotary year continues.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Seminar

The Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Seminar will be held at the Secretariat in Alcester on Thursday, 24th February 2011. A great range of speakers has been invited from WASRAG (Water and Sanitation Rotary Action Group), Bio Sand Filters, Sad Dams, Village Water and WaterAid.

December 2010