Rotary Moments - Pakistan Relief Effort 2010
It is not difficult to understand Canadians reluctance to donate dollars to the Pakistan flood relief effort. Any numbers of reasons are given, but the reality of it all is that there are 21 million people displaced from their homes due to the devastation of recent flooding.
Add to this the more than one million additional people who had to flee their home in southern Pakistan as rivers and lakes continue to overflow, and you begin get an idea of the enormity of the hardship and loss suffered by the people there.
One of the reasons Canadians give most often for not donating to relief efforts is very simply, "How do I know the money I give will reach the people in need? The Rotary Club of Cobourg has the answer.
The Cobourg Club has joined forces with Rotary District 3271 in Pakistan, a district that includes some of the hardest hit areas in the south of Pakistan. The officers of that District are known personally by members of the Cobourg Club, and in particular, by Dr. Bob Scott, a past Vice-President of Rotary International. Monies raised by Cobourg Rotary are directed to these Pakistani Rotarians, and are now providing aid and support for the Pakistani people as directed by the local Rotary District.
To date, Cobourg Rotary has donated $10,000 from its World Community Service budget to Pakistan relief through the Rotary District 3271 Disaster Relief fund in Pakistan. In addition Cobourg Rotary has purchased 4 family shelters from Disaster Aid Canada and medicines for up to 5000 people through Health Partners International.
"We know the dollars and equipment we have sent to Pakistan are truly reaching the people in need," said Blake Jones, Chair of the Cobourg Club's World Community Services Committee. "In addition, Dr. Bob Scott, will be visiting the area on behalf of Rotary International and he will also report back to the Cobourg Club as to how the monies and support services donated are being employed. Dr. Scott said, "These Rotarians receiving our support are my friends who are facing enormous problems. I am proud of the Cobourg Rotary Club's proactive effort and hope many will follow its example."
Canadians wishing to donate to the relief effort can do so by directing their contribution to The Robert S. Scott Charitable Trust , c/o the Rotary Club of Cobourg, P.O. Box 882, Cobourg, Ontario, K9A 4S3. Donations should be marked "Pakistan Disaster Relief" and are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.