Joint statement from District Governor Mark Merriam and District 5000 Foundation President Dave Hamil.

Aloha Hawai'i Rotarians,

Our hearts continue to be with our Rotary families on Maui. The devastation caused by the August 8^th Maui fires has impacted the community in many ways. It has affected personal lives, families, business operations, culture and so much more.

We want to share how the power of Rotary is real.

Maui Rotarians have been on the ground providing support and relief to survivors daily. At disaster relief centers, community hubs, moving supplies, and assisting in countless ways. Maui Rotary Clubs are meeting and coordinating service projects across the island. They are an inspiration and fine examples of Service Above Self.

Our Rotary District 5000 Foundation moved quickly on August 9^th to establish a Maui fires relief fund. The intent was to provide a single portal and focus for relief donations. A simple letter and infographic with QR code went out that day. The outpouring of care and concern for Maui has been overwhelming. Rotarians and Rotary Clubs across the world have contributed. More than 5,000 donors have participated, and the fund has grown to $2,000,000. Another example of the power of Rotary.

An advisory committee composed of active Maui Rotary leaders meets weekly to review written project proposals for distribution of fire relief funds. They have been challenged to consider funding emergency relief, intermediate recovery, and long-term community rebuilding projects. Rotary Clubs from D5000 are welcome to submit a proposal in collaboration with one of the 9 Rotary Clubs on Maui.  Rotary volunteers are committed to vetting proposals to ensure monies are used in the most effective and impactful ways to those who have been so deeply affected by the fires.

To date, more than $250,000 has been committed from this fund for emergency relief. $85,000 in gas cards have been given to families that lost their homes. $50,000 in specialized equipment for the only Burn Unit in the state at Straub Medical Center. $30,000 to each of the 3 Lahaina Rotary Clubs so club members can make decisions on how best to help their community. More funds will be released in the coming days.

The Rotary District 5000 Foundation is committed to managing these funds with prudence and care, and that 100% of donations received will be used to help Maui communities as they rebuild. Mahalo for all that you do for Rotary in Hawaii, and for your support to the Maui Fires Relief efforts.

Does your club have event for World Polio Day? Share it online and tag the district's social media accounts @HawaiiRotary on Facebook and Instagram.

Support Rotaract E-Club Ohana

The month of October is just starting, but Christmas will be creeping up around the corner soon.  That also means there is a child somewhere in this world that will not receive a single Christmas gift this year.  Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is a service project organized by Samaritan's Purse, and its goal is to provide underprivileged children worldwide a Christmas present.

RECO will be participating on the project and is collecting monetary donations from now until the end of October.  The money donated will be used to purchase gift items that will be packed into the OCC shoeboxes. We would love for club members and non-club members to participate in this cause. Ways one can contribute is by writing a check to "Rotaract E-Club Ohana" or sending a Venmo payment to Nicole @nnickii5.