From Josh Mansee, District Foundation Chair,
In these challenging times there is still so much good going on and I wanted to share a few Foundation updates.
At PETS this year, our Presidents in training and attendees raised over $10,000 across seven districts to purchase new textbooks for the girls attending the Zabuli Education Center in Afghanistan. The funds raised allow Razia Jan and the school to continue its mission of educating girls. It may feel a lot longer than a month since PETS but attached is a picture of the girls who have received their new textbooks. They are maintaining proper social distancing, but even Covid-19 will not stop these determined students from getting an education!
Our District Disaster Response Grants were submitted to Rotary International this morning. Expect to hear an update from us once we hear back from RI. (since Josh sent this email...we received word that District 6250 grants did not receive any money because it was already gone by the time the foundation got our proposals. However, Rotary Foundation is adding another $2,000,000 and we will stay in line for this new money. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope that our communities benefit from these generous grants.)
Disaster Response Project highlights include:
· Food, meals and supplies for those most vulnerable in our communities
· Diapers, supplies and learning tools for young families and students in these uncertain times
· Support for our front-line health care workers
· 3D printing & manufacturing of personal protective equipment
· UV sanitizing lights for first responders
· Handheld devices to allow patients quarantined in the hospitals to communicate face to face with loved ones
This is on top of the multitude of projects that our Rotarians are partnering on and assisting with in their communities on a daily basis.
There are many challenges for Rotarians to be hands on in the traditional sense, particularly those who are high risk. Rotarians continue to find ways to be Leaders of Action in our communities by:
· Purchasing, packing and delivering much needed items
· Serving in leadership roles on boards of community organizations and foundations
· Fundraising & raising awareness of the needs in our community
· Serving in shelters and pantries
· Creation of personal protective equipment
· Planning and arranging resources
· Writing cards/notes to families and those on the front lines
· Continuing long term partnerships and innovating new ones
· Living out the ideals of Rotary and the 4 way test during this crisis
The Foundation team continues to work on additional guidance around District Grants which will be sent out as soon as it’s ready. We appreciate your patience as we try to make this process as simple and straightforward as possible.
With social distancing practices taking place, it can be hard to engage and build momentum. As Rotarians we are part of the Rotary family- throughout our community and our region. Distance should not be a barrier but an opportunity to innovate the impact we can make as we serve each other and our communities.
We will get through this together. Be steady. Be well!
