Rotarians in District 7390 are sharing our heartfelt sympathies with the victims impacted by Hurricane Helene. This catastrophic event has impacted people in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. We grieve with the families who are mourning the loss of life - currently, over 200 lives have been claimed by the storm. Emergency response workers are still working through impacted areas. Families and businesses are surveying the property damage, estimated to cost between $15 billion and $26 billion. Our thoughts are with people who have been displaced because of the storm.
Rotarians are People of Action motivated to assist in the short-term, mid-term, and long-term relief of communities impacted by natural disasters. For individuals and clubs who would like to make a difference, we would like to share these resources with you for consideration:
- Immediate Relief: Zones 33/34, the regional structure designed to support Rotary Districts in the impacted area, has a Foundation independent of The Rotary Foundation. This is a quick way for your dollars to respond to local needs that will support the efforts of volunteers by providing equipment, tools, storage, mobile storage, etc. This is a 501(c)3 eligible for tax-deductible contributions by IRS regulations. To donate, please visit their website here.
- The Rotary Foundation: Rotarians who would like to donate directly to The Rotary Foundation Disaster Relief Fund can make a tax-deductible donation by visiting here. Note that The Rotary Foundation does not designate disaster relief by incident. Rotary Districts can apply for a general pool of money to address short-term, mid-term, and long-term needs. RI Director Patrick Eakes of Zones 33/34 has indicated they will take advantage of the Rotary Disaster Relief Fund by making applications across the impacted districts.
