MESSAGE FROM THE DISTIRCT ADVISORY RESOURCE GROUP DARG TO DISTRICT 7080 ROTARY AND ROTARACT MEMBERS
March 1, 2022
This is truly a heart-rending time as we witness the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Daily reports of bombings, devastation, serious injuries and death are shocking to hear and the images are very sad to see. Hundreds of thousands of people in Ukraine are fleeing for their lives. As Rotarians, we strive for international goodwill, understanding and peace. I commend to you the Rotary International statement released on February 25th on the Ukraine conflict below:
It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world.
At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world.
As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue.
In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence. Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support and peace to the region.
Rotary International
25-Feb-2022
At the District Level we have a standing Disaster Advisory Resource Group DARG that is chaired by me as PDG and supported by committee members Lesley Barmania- Foundation Chair, Rajbir Mann International Service Director, Norma Gamble Community Service Director. Details about DARG can be found on the District Website under the ‘Committees’ tab and social media. These resources identify key contacts for responding to disasters that are both Rotary based and other international not for profit groups with whom we work. In this particular instance, International Red Cross and Shelter Box are two groups that are mobilizing quickly to respond to the needs arising from this conflict. Both DARG and District have information and resource material for individual clubs and clusters to mount a timely response to those needs. It is our intention to share updated information with you on a regular basis. This is clearly an opportunity for us to respond by living our motto for this Rotary year: Serve to Change Lives
Lesley Barmania Foundation Chair
Michael Lawrie DARG Chair, PDG
Rajbir Mann International Service Chair
Norma Gamble Community Service Chair
Kathi Dick Peace Initiatives Chair