Rotary 5110 in Action eNews 05-14-2020

The following story was just sent to 70 media outlets in our District area–feel free to communicate it further as testimony to Rotarians collectively meeting challenges small and pandemic in our world..

The 3,300 Rotary members in the 66 central and southern Oregon as well as northernmost California clubs have raised more than $312,000 and invested thousands of volunteer hours to meet the hunger, safety and economic impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic.

From producing and distributing masks and hand sanitizer to leveraging a Rotary grant more than ten times over, Rotary clubs are feeding and equipping the tireless medical community and first responders, assisting food banks, providing support for challenged businesses, school districts and senior centers.

The Click here to go to an absolutely awesome and comprehensive list of projects funded and delivered to communities throughout the District is attached to this press release along with related photographs of Rotary volunteer service in action. Additional information and local photos are available through Rotary District Public Image Director Judy Corwin at judy.corwin@comcast.net or at www.rotarydistrict5110.com.

The extensive list of service efforts already completed and continuing in the region is indicative of Rotary International’s service mantra conquering global,national, regional and local humanitarian challenges for more than 115 years. Much like its decades-long dedication to the world-wide eradication of polio, the pursuit of those 2020 projects has never been easier as Rotary has been at the forefront of service throughout this latest crisis.

The current leadership of Rotary District 5110 Governor Rick Olson of Eugene and Governor-Elect Cindi O’Neil of Bend have gathered the collective list of Rotary goodwill in the area and couldn’t be prouder of the effort.

Olson, summarizing the work, said, “We applied for a Disaster Relief Grant from the Rotary International World Fund. Upon receiving the $25,000, ourDistrict leadership team developed an equitable way to spread the grant assistance. We were not surprised that our clubs stepped it up to leverage the amount optimized District-wide to well more than $300,000. Our primary beneficiary focus was the homeless, unemployed or homebound. Just this last week most of the goods were purchased and delivered to communities most in need of assistance.”

O’Neil said, “Clubs from all around our District, in just days, began adjusting their service activities around filling local needs based on the pandemic effects. We know about the financial hardships facing small business in our local communities. Thus, grant and local funds in some cases, sourced food relief through local restaurants or private produce suppliers to increase the positive impact. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the creativity, hard work, financial generosity, and the continued endurance that our Rotary leaders and members have shown during the COVID crisis. It’s just what Rotary does.”