By Jim Garrett
The world’s biggest event since 9/11 is the brutal attack on the Ukraine unleashed by Russia one month ago under the despotic hand of Vladimir Putin. Millions have been left homeless.
Now the Pagosa Springs Rotary Club has announced a campaign for Pagosans to stand up and be counted against this atrocity by contributing to assistance for the victims of the unprovoked attack.
The funds contributed by Pagosans will be collected by the local Club, distributed internationally through the Rotary Foundation, and within days of the gift will be available for use in the Ukraine and neighboring countries by sister Rotary clubs, which have boots on the ground to deliver the assistance where needed, in places that the victims have taken refuge.
Pagosa Springs Rotary has set a goal of collecting contributions in the total of $10,000 from the Pagosa Springs community within the next two weeks. Contributions may be made by checks or money orders drawn to the Pagosa Springs Rotary Donor Advised Fund (can be abbreviated to “DAF”). The DAF is a 501(c)(3) fund, and contributions will be tax deductible.
There are 62 local Rotary Clubs in the Ukraine, and hundreds of others in neighboring countries, that will participate in delivering aid provided from Pagosa Springs.
Contributions may be delivered to the Chamber of Commerce office, at the downtown Pagosa Springs Visitor Center, to the Jann Pitcher Realty office, on Eagle Drive, uptown, or mailed to Pagosa Springs Rotary, P.O. Box 685, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.
Rotary International’s world-wide stature as an organization focused on a strong tradition of service to humankind will enable contributed funds to be put to quick use to get food, clothing, shelter, toiletries, medicine and even toys to victims, young and old — the basics of life that have been stolen from them.
The international organization’s well-established communication system enabled Rotarians to begin helping within 48 hours of the attack, when a team 60 members strong from 10 countries met by videoconference to plan how to meet the most urgent needs of refugees. The local campaign is an outgrowth of that conference.
Please show that despotism and repression are repugnant to Pagosans. Stand up and be counted against Vlad the Bad with your contribution soon!