On 4 August 2020, a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored at the port of Beirut, Lebanon, exploded. This has caused at least 204 deaths, 6,500 injuries, and US$15 billion in property damage, and leaving an estimated 300,000 people homeless.

Saint George Hospital which was less than a km from the blast was founded in 1878 as a non-profit community hospital. Although the hospital was forced to temporarily close after the explosion, enough restoration work was completed by the end of August to allow one floor to become operational again. The 2020-21 Australian District Governors decided to make a Rotary Global Grant application to help refurbish the neo-natal ward at the St George Hospital. Each district contributed $2,000 District Designated Funds (DDF), and The Rotary Foundation will match the total DDF contribution.

PDG Bruce Allen who is organising the application said “The grant application for the refurbishment of the neo-natal ward at St. George Hospital Beirut has been completely funded and has been submitted to The Rotary Foundation. I cannot thank you enough for your support of this project which demonstrates the true nature of Rotary in Australia when it comes to reaching out to support people in need.”

On the back of this outstanding cooperative movement, we have a RAWCS project in the system which is designed to gather as much cash as possible to service the needs of Rotary in Beirut. They struggle to provide support for the overwhelming range of urgent needs in the areas of medications, food, shelter, blankets, education and so much more.

We have asked you to encourage clubs to contribute just $100 to this project account (RAWCS #19-2020-21) and if we can get all clubs participating we will have a ‘war chest’ of something like $100,000 to keep doing good in the world. I know clubs are struggling when it comes to fundraising during these difficult times, but most should be able to find $100 to help Rotary in Australia provide this critical support. Attached is a copy of the flyer we are using to support this program.

Best wishes and thanks again for your incredible support with the global grant funding.