FSP Rotary Supports Ukraine
Submitted by Maria LaMorte-Wright
In response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club set up a collection to support Ukrainian refugees who have fled to surrounding countries as well as those who remain in the country. According to the United Nations, the senseless war has forced over 2 million people to flee to surrounding countries, while over a million have been displaced within Ukraine.
The club kicked off a humanitarian relief effort on March 8th. The primary area of focus is sending donations to Shelterbox, a disaster response organization who will provide temporary transitional housing and other essential supplies. They will also send funds to organizations within Ukraine and Poland to help the people remaining within Ukraine and those who have left the country. The list of organizations who will receive money include: Rotary Clubs in Ukraine, the Rotary Club of Warsaw in Poland and Rotary International Disaster Fund.
The FSP Rotary Club sent a $1,000 donation to Shelterbox, $1,000 to the Disaster Fund and $1000 to Rotary Clubs. As of March 16th, Rotarians and members of the community have already donated an additional $2,500.
The club is also sending supplies to Ukraine and are working with the Greater Westfield Chapter of Unico National. They are collecting aspirin, bandages, band-aids, tourniquet gauze, gauze pads, medical tape and medical gloves. These can be dropped off at Apple Blossom in Scotch Plains through April 15th.
The community is encouraged to participate in this local fundraiser. Tax-deductible donations can be made by going to fsprotary.org. If you’d like your donation to be directed toward a specific organization, please include that in the note when donating online.
For additional information, go to fsprotary.org or contact Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary President Deanna Dell Bene atpresident@fsprotary.org.
The Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club has been serving the community since 1938. The club meets is meeting in person on Wednesdays at noon at the Stage House in Scotch Plains (except the last Wednesday of the month). For a meeting schedule and further information about the club, go to fsprotary.org or visit their Facebook page: Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club.
