Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland

We are in the unique position of being able to offer immediate relief to people in need all over the planet.

Because we are found in more than 200 countries and regions worldwide, clubs in Great Britain and Ireland are able to work directly with clubs in disater-hit areas across the world to see exactly what aid is needed. In addition we can be sure that money raised goes directly to those in need.

Some of the current relief work RIBI is currently involved in includes:

Haiti

The cholera epidemic in Haiti, a bitter legacy of the 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.

(Picture - a Haitian mother and baby take refuge in a tent provided by ShelterBox)  

Rotary members raised an incredible £3m in the first three months enabling the dispatch of Rotary-supported boxes including ShelterBox, Water Survival Box and Aquabox, containing vital resources.

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 Rotary members for their support, which has reached a total of £219,000 since 1st July.

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.

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.

Find out how you can get involved by contacting your local Rotary club.