Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work.

Article by PDG Peter Garnett, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator

The UN is now reporting more than 11 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine because of the war, including more than 5.5 million people - mostly women, children and elderly people, who have fled Ukraine for neighbouring countries. An estimated 7.7 million people are thought to be displaced inside Ukraine. All are in dire need of emergency aid. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families.

Through our generous donors, The Rotary Foundation has raised more than US$13.1 million to support humanitarian relief efforts underway by Rotary clubs in Ukraine and nearby countries. Rotary’s Disaster Response grants will provide basic items such as water, food, medicine, and clothing and for providing immediate aid to support refugees of the war in Ukraine. To date, 74 grants have been awarded totalling $2.1 million to support activities in 19 countries.

ShelterBox, our project partner for disaster response, is responding from a temporary regional base in Poland, in partnership with Rotary members in Eastern Europe. Support includes essential supplies, including health kits, warming supplies, and access to temporary housing for communities who have left Ukraine, along with medical and shelter supplies for communities in Ukraine.

The Rotary Action Group for Refugees, Forced Displacement, and Migration is also mobilizing its resources to provide guidance for clubs seeking to get more involved in response and resettlement efforts.

Rotary members and others can sign a petition created by the Rotary Action Group for Peace here: Petition · ROTARIANS SAY NO TO WAR · Change.org

Contact Alison Sutherland, Director, Rotary Action Group for Peace at ypalison@yahoo.co.uk for more information on the petition.

Visit https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-responds-ukraine-crisis and follow Rotary on social media to stay updated on how clubs can get involved and what actions Rotary members have taken and the impact it has had for people in the region.