What a difference in all our lives in just a few weeks! In my last newsletter, we were looking forward to the full District and Club program, for the remainder of the Rotary year.
Since then, the lives of almost everyone on our planet has been changed forever. We have lost so many of us and the prospect of losing so many more is very real. As Rotarians, we will stand side-by-side with those who are helping out assisting those in need, supporting our front-line defenders. We must rise to the challenges and do whatever we can. The needs are enormous and every little bit counts.
Today, I am launching a District-wide appeal for donations. Time is of the essence. I urge you and your Clubs (through your Club Foundations) to donate generously through this appeal. Donations will be channeled to the AFYA Foundation, which has lined up suppliers and shipments for PPEs to be channeled to places of the greatest need and to other organizations providing support to the elderly and vulnerable groups. The top of the curve is still a few weeks ahead. Urgent supplies of PPEs are needed now to deal with the surge and beyond.
The AFYA Foundation will consolidate the funds we provide and that they receive from others to provide this much-needed basic protection to those are risking their own lives daily so others may have a fighting chance. I know you will do whatever you can towards this effort. Here’s how to donate: https://rotary7230.org/page/covid-19-donation
As a District, we have applied for a Rotary COVID-19 Emergency Response Grant. We should be hearing back in a few days.
As you know we have canceled the District Conference. If you wish, you can receive a refund of your registration fees, if you have already paid. If so, do nothing and your registration fees will be refunded in the next few weeks.
But I am requesting that you please give us permission to donate your paid registration fees, in your name, to the District 7230 COVID-19 Emergency Appeal. See more details on this Appeal.
For us to do that, we must have your consent. Please send an email to 7230rotary@gmail.com telling us that you agree to designate your registration fees for the District 7230 COVID-19 Emergency Appeal. Be sure to include your name and your Club Name.
All Clubs in our District have canceled regular in-person meetings, holding them online, or by phone. Now is a time to rethink the future vision of our Clubs. Online meetings seem to have caught on, and may very well become much more of the norm than it is today. If your Club has not yet met online, I urge your give it a try. Now is not the time to sit it out. If you use Zoom, we have provided extensive training on our District Website.
Our clubs have been responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with services to vulnerable groups. See their activities in Club Corner.
This is a time for Rotary, us Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors to remain engaged, and in touch with our communities. Granted, social distancing may result in that engagement taking a different route, but our motto of Service above Self remains ever so relevant in these trying times. Common sense precautions will allow us to stay safe while providing the Service we are known for.
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. in Rotary and the District at: rotary7230.org/page/covid-19
Please accept my best wishes for the health and safety of your family and of all the members of the Rotary, Rotaract and Interact family in your areas.
Earlier on 31 December the Rotaract Club of Peekskill officially received its charter, while the 5th Rotaract Club of the District - the first new Rotaract Club established this Rotary year - the Rotaract Club of Staten Island was chartered on November 4 2019, jointly sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of North Shore and South Shore.
Current Year
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