Rotarians all across Australia have been profoundly saddened and touched by the bushfires that ravaged our country over the past summer claiming lives, destroying many homes and decimating thousands of hectares of bushland.The response from Rotarians around the nation, and indeed the world, has been overwhelming, with donations and offers of assistance being received from Rotarians and Friends from near and far.
A national bushfire response appeal—the Rotary Australia Relief Fund - was established by the current District Governors under the RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Services) umbrella, with a small committee of Governors determining how the money raised would be distributed.
District Governor from D9520, Tim Klar, advised that to date just under $1.6 million has been donated to the appeal with all but approximately $200,000 of the funds being distributed. Distributions have gone to Area RABS (Rotary Australia Benevolent Society) funds set up by the Local District Governors.
Local Rotary Disaster Response teams and Bushfire Recovery Committees have been established and have provided bushfire appeal grants for Clubs wanting to support their local communities.
Projects include provision of shipping containers and caravans for emergency housing and secure storage, fencing, fodder and pellet feed, generators, air purifiers, books and stationery for school children.
The Appeal is ongoing and tax deductible donations can be made by visiting the RAWCS website: https:// donations.rawcs.com.au/68-2019-20