Japan Earthquake Relief
Posted by Steven Walden
Only a few short weeks ago that I commented on our club's ability to respond to an international crisis or disaster. Then, in a matter of moments, Japan was hit with a major earthquake and is facing a national crisis. Between threats of powerful aftershocks there is a very real and frightening threat of nuclear disaster.
Like you, I know people in Japan and have friends with family in that country. I would love more than anything to help them, but I just do not know how. I feel powerless under the circumstances. Even if I was able to go and be on the ground in Japan to help, it is a practical impossibility to get into that country right now. If I planned to donate money to any of the instantly created celebrity-endorsed "relief efforts," I still have doubts whether that money will actually be used for the purpose I intended.
Contributions designated to the Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund may be made in the same fashion you normally contribute to The Rotary Foundation.
Checks should be made payable to The Rotary Foundation (note on your check that the contribution should be used for the Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund, #G10005).
The ability to make online contributions on the RI website.
How will contributions designated to the Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund be used?
Rotarians in affected areas will identify and determine how best to help these communities recover after initial disaster relief efforts are completed. The funds contributed will not be used for immediate disaster relief but rather for recovery efforts. Contributions to the Fund will be made available to clubs and Districts in the affected areas for participation in Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and Global Grants. As with all Matching Grants and Global Grants projects, Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund grants will require Rotary clubs or districts in at least two countries (a partner outside of the project country and a partner within the project country) to work together to plan, implement, and complete the project. The projects must involve active personal Rotarian participation. As with all funds contributed to The Rotary Foundation, the Trustees will manage funds contributed to the fund.
Will I receive Paul Harris Fellow recognition for my contribution?
No. Contributions designated to the fund are not eligible for Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
Will my contribution count toward my club and district's total contribution goals?
Yes. Contributions designated to the Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund will count toward club and district total contribution goals. However, contributions will not count toward club and district Annual Programs Fund (per capita giving) goals.
Will my contribution be included in my total Foundation giving?
Yes. Your personal contribution will appear on your giving history and will apply toward major donor recognition.
Is there a minimum contribution amount?
No.
Who should I contact with contribution questions?
Questions may be directed to the Contact Center at 1-866-976-8279 or contact.center@rotary.org
Where can I find more information on Rotary clubs' relief work in Japan and the Pacific Islands?
Please contact relief@rotary.org for information on Rotary club and district relief efforts in Japan and the Pacific Islands.
While I cannot be in Japan to personally participate in the relief efforts, I am comforted to know that there are Rotarians and organizations supported by Rotarians such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army in that part of the world that have responded and will continue to work toward restoring Japan to normalcy. In the meantime, my involvement will be through prayer and giving. I urge you to remember those who are suffering in Japan due to this unforeseen crisis, and for the safety of those who have answered the call to assist in the relief efforts.
Have a fruitful week.
Yours in Rotary,
Steve Walden
Fortunately, we belong to an organization that is equipped and prepared to respond to these crises. Almost instantly, I received information from The Rotary Foundation about how to give toward relief efforts in a way that I am assured will actually benefit the people in Japan. The following is the information that I received from TRF specific to relief in Japan, in a FAQ format:
How do I make a contribution to support the Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund?Contributions designated to the Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund may be made in the same fashion you normally contribute to The Rotary Foundation.
Checks should be made payable to The Rotary Foundation (note on your check that the contribution should be used for the Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund, #G10005).
The ability to make online contributions on the RI website.
How will contributions designated to the Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund be used?
Rotarians in affected areas will identify and determine how best to help these communities recover after initial disaster relief efforts are completed. The funds contributed will not be used for immediate disaster relief but rather for recovery efforts. Contributions to the Fund will be made available to clubs and Districts in the affected areas for participation in Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and Global Grants. As with all Matching Grants and Global Grants projects, Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund grants will require Rotary clubs or districts in at least two countries (a partner outside of the project country and a partner within the project country) to work together to plan, implement, and complete the project. The projects must involve active personal Rotarian participation. As with all funds contributed to The Rotary Foundation, the Trustees will manage funds contributed to the fund.
Will I receive Paul Harris Fellow recognition for my contribution?
No. Contributions designated to the fund are not eligible for Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
Will my contribution count toward my club and district's total contribution goals?
Yes. Contributions designated to the Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund will count toward club and district total contribution goals. However, contributions will not count toward club and district Annual Programs Fund (per capita giving) goals.
Will my contribution be included in my total Foundation giving?
Yes. Your personal contribution will appear on your giving history and will apply toward major donor recognition.
Is there a minimum contribution amount?
No.
Who should I contact with contribution questions?
Questions may be directed to the Contact Center at 1-866-976-8279 or contact.center@rotary.org
Where can I find more information on Rotary clubs' relief work in Japan and the Pacific Islands?
Please contact relief@rotary.org for information on Rotary club and district relief efforts in Japan and the Pacific Islands.
While I cannot be in Japan to personally participate in the relief efforts, I am comforted to know that there are Rotarians and organizations supported by Rotarians such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army in that part of the world that have responded and will continue to work toward restoring Japan to normalcy. In the meantime, my involvement will be through prayer and giving. I urge you to remember those who are suffering in Japan due to this unforeseen crisis, and for the safety of those who have answered the call to assist in the relief efforts.
Have a fruitful week.
Yours in Rotary,
Steve Walden