| 29 December 2004 To: 2004-05 District Governors Dear District Governors: We are deeply saddened to hear of the recent events in South Asia and we are touched by the commitment of Rotarians to assisting the communities affected by this disaster. We are writing to you today to provide you with information on how you may work through Rotary to make a significant contribution toward alleviating this major humanitarian crisis. Although Rotary International does not have a fund to provide immediate relief to individuals in times of disaster, RI’s International Service section provides information resources regarding club and district disaster relief efforts on the RI Web site. When informed of local relief initiatives, RI will share updates about these local efforts on the RI Web site. Rotarians wishing to contribute funds and/or donated goods to disaster victims can visit the web site or contact the International Service section to learn about current relief efforts. (Please note that such contributions do not qualify for Rotary Foundation recognition of any kind.) We also encourage you to work with organizations such as UNICEF and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world to meet the immediate needs of victims affected by the tsunami. We are in the process of exploring ways in which Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation can assist Rotarians in supporting longer term recovery efforts in these areas. Additional information will be posted on the Rotary web site as soon as it becomes available. It is our hope that with your meaningful and rapid response to this appeal, you will be able to help rebuild the future for hundreds of thousands of innocent people impacted by this crisis. Thank you for your commitment to helping disaster victims. It is Rotarians like you who truly demonstrate Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.” Sincerely, |