By: Claudia Frost, District Governor Elect, Brunswick RC
and Lucy Lloyd, President, Brunswick Coastal RC 

The Rotary Foundation has created a channel for humanitarian support in the Ukraine region in response to the deepening crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.  Three Rotary Clubs in the District joined forces to support Ukraine through club and individual donations to The Rotary Disaster Response Fund.

Brunswick, Brunswick Coastal and Topsham Expresso invited community members to join in contributing to the goal of $10,000 by April 30, 2022.  The goal was met on Monday April 25!

The power of three Rotary Clubs – 2 communities – working together to help the people of Ukraine. Brunswick Rotary created an amazing flyer, fundraising goal, and reached out to the community through their website https://www.brunswickmainerotary.org. Brunswick Coastal Rotarian, Sandy Holland, and her staff at Union Street Bakery, raised funds by serving a Ukrainian dinner.  Her club pitched in as well. Topsham Expresso also chipped in. The goal was reached.
   
Rotary International is in contact with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees – USA to prepare for and respond to the needs of those being displaced in Ukraine and to neighboring countries. ShelterBox, a Rotary project partner for disaster response, is in communication with Rotary members in Eastern Europe to explore how it may offer support with temporary transitional housing and other essential supplies. 
 
The Rotary Action Group for Refugees, Forced Displacement, and Migration is mobilizing its resources to assist in this crisis. More than 4 million people have fled Ukraine and are in dire need of emergency aid. The United Nations estimates that number could grow to as many as 6 million people displaced. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families. 
  
About the Rotary Foundation: The Rotary Foundation has achieved a 4 out of 4 rating from Charity Navigator. For the Ukraine Disaster Relief Fund, 100% of funds collected are redistributed to mitigate community needs. With over 1.4 million members from 220 countries, in over 46,000 clubs, Rotarians have trusted The Rotary Foundation with their philanthropic gifts since its inception in 1917. 
 
Thank you to all the Rotary Clubs and individual Rotarians in the district who have held fundraisers, written checks, reached out to partnering organizations in countries accepting refugees, and otherwise trying to make a horrible situation better for so many.