District 9830 Haiti Appeal
24 January 2010
A message to all Rotarians of District 9830 from DG Ian
The magnitude of the tragedy in Haiti cannot be ignored and Rotary world-wide is gathering momentum to assist with a recovery program. Neighbouring Districts in the USA have for quite some time been assisting local Haiti Rotary Clubs with humanitarian programs. This has enabled the supply of early relief from those Districts possible, and will smooth the way for other Districts to partner effectively in the near future.
The Rotary International Board has taken the position that our organization is not a first responder to disaster, but rather a recovery responder once the needs to rebuild the area are known. This has proved particularly true with the effectiveness of funds raised by Clubs in our District in recent times in support of our achievements with the Victorian Bushfire Recovery program.
The success of our dollar-for-dollar partnership on that occasion with the Tasmanian Government has prompted the Premier of Tasmania to suggest a similar arrangement with an appeal for Haiti, to which I have accepted. The Government will match on a dollar-for-dollar basis cash contributions made to Rotary, Lions and Apex clubs in Tasmania specifically for the Haiti relief, on the basis funds will go directly into programs on the ground in Haiti. The Government will match donations up until 5th March 2010, with their total contribution being capped at $200,000.
The Premier has also invited the support of other organisations as well as the corporate sector to contact local clubs to ensure their efforts are included in the program. The matching contribution from the State will go through a special “Rotary International District 9830 Inc [Haiti Appeal]” account, established within our District for projects or Foundation activities nominated by us, where there is a direct linkage to recovery and restoration activities on the ground in Haiti.
If the funds raised by Rotary District 9830 [combined with Lions and Apex] exceed the amount offered by the State Government, the funds will be distributed according to the proportion of total funds raised by each organization.
I’m very conscious that the financial drain on Clubs in supporting the numerous recent national and international appeals has been significant, placing pressure on clubs to service their local community activities, as well as maintaining our commitment in supporting our chosen education and humanitarian projects through our own charity – The Rotary Foundation. To avoid this happening I therefore encourage clubs to make it be known to local corporates that support for Haiti can be channeled through your Club or our District.
The District Emergency Relief Committee will research the most suitable partnering arrangements with neighbouring Districts and the Foundation and distribute funds accordingly.
Corporates can also be encouraged to make contributions.
Making a Donation
Rotary International District 9830 Inc [ABN 20 592 124 619]
Either by direct debit as follows
Account Name: Rotary International District 9830 Inc [Haiti Appeal]
Bank: Commonwealth Bank, Kingston Tasmania 7050
BSB: 067 105 Account Number: 1034-1207Ensure your name in mentioned in the reference field. Confirmation by email
Or a cheque endorsed “Rotary International District 9830 Inc. [Haiti Appeal]
District 9830 Treasurer
PP Mike Whitehouse
42 Auburn Road
Kingston 7050
Tax deductible donations from individuals, business and community organisations.
Where either individuals or organisations are seeking a tax deductible receipt for contributions to our District Haiti Appeal this can be undertaken through our Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) Overseas Aid Fund.
Cheques need to be made out to “RAWCS Overseas Aid Fund” .
Include a covering note specifying the form of support requested and forward via our District Treasurer to ensure they qualify for the Stae Government matching grant..
District 9830 Treasurer
PP Mike Whitehouse
42 Auburn Road
Kingston 7050
RAWCS would then forward the donor a tax deductible receip.
These funds would be held by RAWCS until specific action is requested by our District.