Posted by William Inniss on Oct 10, 2019

Thank You Family of Rotary

Our total funding is now approaching $1.5 million! We have been overwhelmed with the support we have received from individual members of the Rotary family as well as the many clubs and districts which have made donations both financial, in pledges and with supplies.
The sheer volume of donors means that we are often unable to include everyone in our news updates. Our donors, too numerous to mention, each receive an acknowledgement personally and please be assured you are all very much appreciated.
 

The Recovery Phase

Rotarians in the Bahamas were guided by the first responders who arrived in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane. This enabled Rotary to be involved in the first stage of relief and support of those most in need. Past Director John Smarge in Florida was in close contact with our Bahamas team and through his professional expertise was able to assist with shipments of supplies. This phase is now under control by local agencies and Rotary can now move into the next phase.
 
As John Smarge says, ‘Rotary is not a great first responder to natural disasters. Organizations like The Red Cross, Disaster Aid and Shelter Box are better set-up for those things. With that said, because we deal Rotarian-to-Rotarian, we are the best at determining actual needs, day by day, as we talk with our local Rotarians who are part of the affected communities. Though we are certainly sending supplies, as requested, cash is always best.
 
What Rotary does best is rebuild communities. Rotary remains after the initial disaster aid organizations have completed their efforts and after the news crews leave. We enable children to go back to school, we help with ongoing medical clinics, we provide micro loans for women to earn an income and support their families… With this, cash is also best. At that time, we will also strongly encourage personal interaction, connections and hands-on involvement.’


Interact Club Raises Funds in Sint Maarten

The Interact Club of St. Dominic began their project on September 3rd, when the idea of bringing in monetary donations was announced to the Interact club and then to the rest of the school. Throughout the following two days, money was collected.
 
In addition, the school held a white shirts day when everyone was encouraged to wear a white shirt and ‘pay a fine’ of $1. Many people participated and some donated even if they did not wear the shirt. The total raised by Interact in these initiatives was $1152 and this was presented to their sponsors, the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid Isle to be sent on to the district.   

Report on This Week’s Progress in The Bahamas

Team Bahamas: During the last week, your collective work has enabled us to:

  • See an increase in donations across our multiple funding channels now totalling $1.416 million.
  • Continue pumping water (daily capacity of 6,000 gallons) at the Rotary Water Plant in Grand Bahama for distribution to the hospital, clinics, feeding centers, shelters and the community at large. 
  • Continue engaging officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) plus other international and local private and corporate partners to discuss ways Rotary can assist in the immediate and long-term building efforts.
  • Provide a Communications Specialist team to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to support with internal and external communications. 
  • Erect 31 tents (able to house up to 150 persons) from Disaster Aid International in partnership with the Bahamas Scouts Association at their Headquarters, a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) approved Temporary Shelter Area.
  • Erect Disaster Aid International Tents in Grand Bahama to residents on their property. 
  • Facilitate donation of mattresses for tents at Bahamas Scouts Association Headquarters.  

We have seen individual efforts from Clubs that include:

Rotary Club of East Nassau:

  • Increasing the total donation amount for the Bahamas Disaster Relief Fund to $353,277.
  • Assisting with setting up tents at the Bahamas Scouts Association Headquarters.

Rotary Club of Eleuthera:

  • Increasing number of persons being supported with accommodations, food, and water to 35.
  • Providing requested items - reading books, hair trimmers, DVDs - to evacuees.

Rotary Club of Nassau:

  • Assisting with setting up tents at the Bahamas Scouts Association Headquarters.
  • Participating in the Rotaract Club of South East Nassau Centennial’s ‘Paint Da Streets Pink’ Fun Run Walk with part proceeds benefiting the Bahamas Disaster Relief Fund. 

Rotary Club of New Providence:

  • Assisting with setting up tents at the Bahamas Scouts Association Headquarters.

Rotary Club of Old Fort:

  • Continuing to support the Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium Shelter by delivering needed supplies. 
  • Collecting and delivering seven tons of goods donated by the Bahamas AIDS Foundation to Bahamas Rotary Hurricane Relief to the collection warehouse for the NPCC/RCOB Disaster Relief Partnership.
  • Collecting and delivering nine pallets of water donated by Aquapure to the warehouse for the NPCC/RCOB Disaster Relief Partnership.
  • Sponsoring a displaced family with a new baby with a medical checkup for mother and infant.
  • Volunteering at "United in Paradise' - fundraising event at Philosophy Smokehouse in aid of the NPCC housing initiative for displaced evacuees.
  • Three Interactors from the Interact Club of Lyford Cay joined the seven Rotarians from the club for this initiative. 
  • Participating in the Rotaract Club of South East Nassau Centennial’s ‘Paint Da Streets Pink’ Fun Run Walk with part proceeds benefiting the Bahamas Disaster Relief Fund. 
Rotary Club of South East Nassau:
  • Participating in the Rotaract Club of South East Nassau Centennial’s ‘Paint Da Streets Pink’ Fun Run Walk with part proceeds benefiting the Bahamas Disaster Relief Fund. 
  • Assisting with setting up tents at the Bahamas Scouts Association Headquarters.
Rotaract Club of East Nassau: 
  • Continuing with supporting the Salvation Army Shelter by:
    • Donating clothing. 
    • Sorting and boxing donated items at the facility.
Rotaract Club of South East Nassau Centennial: 
  • Hosting 7th Annual ‘Paint Da Streets Pink’ Fun Run Walk with part proceeds to benefit the Bahamas Disaster Relief Fund.

Happy in a tent on Grand Bahama!

 

Ways to Contribute

ALL DONORS:
For Wire Transfer directly to the islands go to Bahamas Rotary Disaster Committee  
Important Note: please be sure to advise in advance, the following details of funds being remitted to the Bahamas:
< >Name of SenderAmount of RemittanceNotify rotarybahamasrelief@gmail.com  Delchain Limited
 
UK DONORS:
To qualify for Gift Aid, donate to Rotary’s Disaster Recovery Trust for Caribbean Hurricane Dorian
 
US DONORS:
For a 501c3 US Tax Exempt donation use any of the following
PayPal D7020 through Disaster Network Assistance
PayPal D6990 through District 6990 in Florida
GoFundMe for Rotary 7020 Dorian Relief
 
Rotary District 7680 DAF No. 574  at Rotary International (check, credit card, wire, stock transfer options)
Important Note: When donating via RI to this DAF, please ensure you indicate the
DAF number 574 and that the funds are directed to The Bahamas
 
Sponsors