The short term effects of the Haiti earthquake are buildings and roads destroyed, lack of food and clean drinking water, and lack of temporary shelter and drugs and medicines. The long term effects are the economic problems of trying to rebuild houses and businesses, and children who have been left with no parents. We believe that Rotarians can best assist Haiti with the long term goals.







This can be achieved by: 1. Preparation of the club to respond to national or international disasters in close collaboration with other New York Rotary Clubs, the District Governor and Rotary International. In particular, to work closely with the Rotary International Action Groups to ensure coordination and consistency for Rotary assistance. 2. To acquaint Rotary Club of New York members with avenues for giving and assisting with the Rotary Club Partnerships in recipient countries. 3. To work closely with the New York Rotary Foundation on disaster contributions and earmarking of the donor’s contributions.







Saturday, February 6, 2010

Rotary Club of New York

Greetings David,



With the excellent presentation by Girogio Balestrieri and discussions at this morning’s Rotary International Breakfast, we are delighted to inform you of the organization of a Working Group on Emergencies and Disaster Recovery. We suggest the group serve with the International Service Division. The following responsibilities are proposed:



1. Preparation of the club to respond to national or international disasters in close collaboration with other New York Rotary Clubs, the District Governor and Rotary International. In particular, to work closely with the Rotary International Action Groups to ensure coordination and consistency for Rotary assistance.

2. To acquaint Rotary Club of New York members with avenues for giving and assist with the Rotary Club Partnerships in recipient countries.

3. To work closely with the New York Rotary Foundation on disaster contributions and earmarking of the donor’s contributions.



(I would ask my colleagues to make any changes/additions to these proposed responsibilities as discussed this morning)


The Working Group will be led by Hugh Fox, Sheila Washington and Paul Caruso. Hugh Fox has kindly agreed to be the Coordinator for the Haiti Program of Assistance.



We wish to request five minutes at the January 25th luncheon to urge member’s contributions to Haiti and describe avenues for giving. With clearance from our working group, I will forward a briefing note to encourage all funds to be channeled through the New York Rotary Foundation with an earmarking. We suggest the Monday presentation open with Dr. Lesley Kernisant, M.D. and President of the Society IMmobiliere d’Agriculture de Commerce et de Tourisme. Paul Caruso will follow with the urgent request for assistance and avenues for giving. Emphasis will be given to the NGO’s with Rotary involvement and the presence of NY Rotarians.



Tom McConnon has kindly agreed to assist in posting the opportunities for Rotary Giving to Haiti on our website.



We greatly appreciate your support for this initiative. We believe it will reflect a united commitment of our members to the Haiti Disaster.

My best,

Natalie



Natalie Hahn

Chair

International Service Division

Rotary Club of New York

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