The Rotary Foundation has responded with specific action in response to the tragedy in Türkiye and Syria. While Rotary and Rotarians are not generally first responders, we do have clubs and members across the devastated areas, and these Rotarians have requested our help. Local clubs and members are best placed to understand the immediate needs of those affected.
In order to provide direct action, the Disaster Response option on www.rotary.org has been replaced with a button that reads Türkiye/Syria Disaster Response Fund. This will stay active on the Rotary website till 31 March 2023. In addition:
- The Trustees immediately made available more than $125,000 to Rotary districts affected by the earthquake through Disaster Response Grants for immediate disaster response.
- The lead story on Rotary.org and My.Rotary.org about Rotary responding to the earthquake has been updated to include information about helping by giving through the general disaster response fund.
- A video from RIP Jennifer Jones has been shared on social media with a call to action to donate to the Turkey/Syria Disaster Response Fund. The video can be viewed on Face Book, Twitter and Instagram.
As New Zealand struggles with its own challenges in the aftermath of cyclone Gabrielle, ROZOPs has set up a NZ Flood Relief Appeal (NZFloods.org) for anyone wanting to help. But for those who have deep connections with Türkiye/Syria and wish to donate, donations from New Zealand should be directed to the ROZOPs ANZ bank account for the New Zealand Rotary Clubs Charitable Trust (NZRCCT): 06-0193-0905286-30. Please coordinate with operations-manager@
For further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at risppo.trf@rotary.org