Help to Ukraine: Statement from Rotary International: It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world. At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world. As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue. In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence. Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support and peace to the region. On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a military operation on Ukraine, creating a devastating humanitarian crisis. As military activities continue and missile strikes rock the country, people are on the move, desperately trying to find safety. According to the UN, hundreds of thousands of people are fleeing the country. - They are predicting as many as 12 million people may need humanitarian assistance
- Four million refugees as a result of this crisis.
- More than 660,000 people have already fled Ukraine into neighboring countries.
Others are sheltering where they can, in places like metro stations. The situation is developing rapidly, and the death toll is rising. Here are some ways that you can help: - ShelterBox We are deploying a team of highly trained operations and response team members to the region to carry out assessments. In coordination with local authorities and other aid agencies, our team will work to understand the type of emergency shelter the displaced people of Ukraine need and if our aid will be suitable. ShelterBox has deployed to the region before and has experience working in Ukraine in response to flooding in 2003 and 2008 as well as carrying out assessments in 2014 following the outbreak of the ongoing conflict in the Donbas region. We are committed to supporting families affected by the Ukraine crisis.
- The Rotary Foundation, in response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, has created an official channel for donors around the world to contribute funds to support the relief efforts underway by Rotary districts and has designated its Disaster Response Fund as the main avenue for contributions. We are 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. To this end, The Rotary Foundation has approved: Now through 30 June 2022, designated Rotary districts that border Ukraine and the Rotary district in Ukraine may apply for grants. These expedited disaster response grants can be used to provide relief to refugees or other victims of the crisis including items such as water, food, shelter, medicine and clothing.
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