HOMES FOR HOPE GIVING SHELTER TO UKRAINIAN FAMILIES - INSIDE THIS ISSUE - Rotary GB&I
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Rucksacks 4 Homeless 6
Ukraine refugees 22
Volunteer Expo 50
Champions of Change 58
JUNE | JULY 2022 rotarygbi.org
HOMES FOR HOPE
GIVING SHELTER TO UKRAINIAN FAMILIES
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Contact us
| Editor: Dave King
editor@rotarygbi.org
Welcome
C
| Publisher: Contently Limited
contentlylondon.co.uk OLIN and I first met Volunteer Expo was an absolute
at the Yorkshire and triumph. Two days at the NEC in
| Graphic Designer: Martin Tandy
Lincolnshire District Birmingham which showcased the value
martin.tandy@rotarygbi.org
Conference in Bradford and importance of volunteering, and how
| Advertising Sales Agency 20 months ago, when he much it underpins out society.
Century One Publishing told his amazing story The National Volunteering Show,
Rory Fear of living on the streets of Halifax before which was organised by Rotary in Great
Rory@centuryone.uk having this ephiany moment standing Britain & Ireland was inspiring with so
01727 739181 atop a viaduct. much going on over the May weekend.
Rather than throwing himself off, Amanda Watkin, Rotary's General
|R
otary in Great Britain & Ireland
Colin decided to turn his life around, Secretary, reflects on Volunteer Expo in
Kinwarton Road, Alcester,
sought help, and along that journey the these pages, telling the story of how it
Warwickshire B49 6PB
Rucksacks 4 Homeless project, in tandem came together, and what happens next.
01789 765 411
with Sowerby Bridge Rotary, was born. As your editor, I am loathed to repeat
rotarygbi.org
Colin's story and the rucksack project themes in consecutive magazines. I like to
|M
agazine delivery is featured in this issue of the magazine keep the pages fresh and topical.
To update your delivery information which has a focus on some of the Rotary But there can be no hiding from the
contact pr@rotarygbi.org and include projects which are looking to help the conflict in Ukraine.
the name of your Rotary club homeless in these isles. What Rotary is doing in these isles
Just as the magazine was going to on behalf of Ukraine is phenomenal.
press, I was informed by Hazel Brindle, a The examples showcased in the People
Follow us Past President of Sowerby Bridge Rotary
and a close friend of Colin, that he
of Action section merely scratches the
surface of the wonderful work going on.
had died. The level of commitment by clubs,
Facebook: /RotaryinGBI
The club had known since before and the response from the public is
Instagram: @RotaryGBI Easter that Colin had terminal cancer. So, unprecedented. This is reflected in the
on April 20th, he was made an honorary work of Rotary's Ukraine Taskforce
Twitter: @RotaryGBI member of Sowerby Bridge Rotary, when which is making a phenomenal impact in
Hazel presented him with a Paul Harris Ukraine and bordering countries.
LinkedIn: Rotary International Fellowship in recognition of his work. Rotarians Allan Smith, Dr John
in Great Britain & Ireland "To say there was not a dry eye Philip and James Onions from the
Rotary International in the house would be a massive Taskforce explain in this issue what they
in Great Britain & Ireland understatement," said Hazel. "Colin could are doing with the money being raised.
not believe that he was worthy of such a I have handed over the 'And Finally'
prestigious award. His family and friends column to my friend Mykola Stebljanko,
Read online | rotarygbi.org/magazine
were so proud of him." editor of the Ukranian Rotariets
Colin's family said they would still magazine, who is living in Odessa.
like the article to be published. They said He is at the heart of Rotary efforts
they were looking forward to seeing in in the country. His heartfelt 'Letter from
print the work which Colin had done in an Ukraine' demonstrates the real impact
attempt to improve the life of others. which your efforts are making.
There are three key themes to this
issue of Rotary magazine; homelessness, | Dave King
Volunteer Expo, and the latest conflict Editor, Rotary Magazine
in Ukraine.
Listen online | rotarygbi.org/listen
This magazine is available as an audio
experience for visually impaired readers
and is accessible for all our members.
Please visit: rotarygbi.org/listen
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Contents
FEATURES
RUCKSACKS 4 HOMELESS 06
22 Cover
story
Colin's story and his work with a West
Yorkshire Rotary club to help the
homeless
SHELTER ON A BUS 10
A double decker bus in Birmingham could
help the homeless in a post-Covid world
ROTARY'S GOT IT WRAPPED UP 12
How Rotarians are collecting winter coats
to donate to homeless charities
LIFE-CHANGING SLEEP PODS 14
An idea spawned from refugee camps in
France is helping street sleepers here.
SANCTUARY IN SOMERSET 22
The tale of a family who fled war in
Ukraine to find home with a Rotary
couple
SMILE TRAIN
A feature on the world's largest
cleft-focussed charity
42
42 12
HOW GLOBAL GRANTS WORK 44
A look at the Thames Hospice project
which has benefited from Rotary funding
ROTARY YOUNG CITIZEN AWARDS 48
Profiling the winners of this year's
awards which were presented at
Volunteer Expo
VOLUNTEER EXPO 50
Rotary GB&I General Secretary,
Amanda Watkin, reflects on the
weekend
NEWS & COMMENT
CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE
Features on each of the winners
of these annual Rotary awards
58
58 ROTARY UKRAINE TASKFORCE 16
An update on the work of the taskforce
ROTARY IN PROFILE 62 in co-ordinating Rotary's humanitarian
Jamie Jamerson from Sheffield Rotary efforts
comes under the spotlight. PEOPLE OF ACTION 24
SHELTERBOX BOOK CLUB 64 A special focus on the activities of Rotary
Nobel prize winner Malala Yousafzai's clubs in their support of Ukraine
novel is among the featured books ROTARY SOCIAL 32
What's happening in Rotary around the
world as reflected on social media
ONE VOICE: SHEKHAR MEHTA 34
In his final article, the Rotary
International President reflects on
the past year
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 38
Four pages of letters, including
comments on the conflict in Ukraine
ROTARY LIFEBOAT 55
A new D-class lifeboat, The Rotarian, was
launched at Filey in North Yorkshire
50 AND FINALLY
Mykola Stebljanko, editor of Rotariets
magazine, writes a letter from Ukraine
66
rotarygbi.org June/July 2022 | Rotary | 5
Rotary | FEATURE
The real
Bag for Life
A few years ago, Colin was homeless and facing desperate
times. He's now left a legacy of working with Rotary, helping
those dealing with life on the streets.
| BY DAVE KING |
F
EELING rock bottom Rotary in West Yorkshire.
is standing atop a The project is now in its fifth
viaduct, your body year with more than 250 rucksacks
shaking with fear, distributed to the homeless in the
looking down at the Calderdale district around Halifax. These
abyss – and with just are distributed through a number of
one thought. homeless support organisations who can
“I was terrified, I identify the legitimate homeless.
was ashamed, and I was embarrassed of Carrying Rotary and Rucksacks 4
being homeless,” recalled Colin, of that Homeless logos, each rucksack contains
seminal moment in Halifax almost five a warm sleeping bag, bivvy bag, a foil-
years ago. backed sleeping mat, a lined beanie hat,
“Basically, I wanted to end it, I’d had scarf, thick insulated gloves, two pairs of
enough. I got to the top of the viaduct, long, warm socks, and a wind-up torch.
looked down, and I said ‘no, no Colin, if There is also a hygiene clip box
it don’t work you’re going to be very, very containing a face cloth, liquid soap,
poorly, and it’s going to hurt’.” shampoo, hand sanitiser, comb,
Colin, a man in his 50s, describes deodorant, lip salve, toothbrush and
the moment as his epiphany. toothpaste, plus face masks to wear
This was the juncture in during Covid.
his life where he had to turn Rotary also provides a labelled flask,
things round. But he didn’t which can be taken to several coffee
reach out for religion, shops in Halifax, which offer free refills
instead he turned to to the homeless of hot or cold drinks.
Rotary. For Colin, the road to despair and
Colin moved homelessness, happened so quickly.
on to establish an The former welder was in a
independent life relationship, had a daughter in her
and serve as an twenties, and his partner had just given
ambassador for the birth to a baby girl.
project Rucksacks He recalled: “When my partner left
4 Homeless, run by me, we were both working. We had been
Sowerby Bridge together for three years.
6 | Rotary | June/July 2022 rotarygbi.org
"We’d just had the baby, my dad when he met Dave Fawcett, the chief
had just died after fighting cancer for six executive of Happydays, a charity
years and things just snowballed. That which works with the homeless in
were eight years ago.” West Yorkshire.
Alcohol was the accelerant. He had “After what happened, I held my
lost his job, his family, his home and, by hands up, I went to get help from
his own admission, Colin was not a nice
person to be around, then.
homeless organisations, and decided to
give something back.” “ROTARY
“The worst part of being homeless is
you do it yourself. I lost my family myself,
Colin had heard of a rucksack
project for the homeless in Bristol, and
TOOK THE TIME
my friends, and you can only stay with wanted to replicate that in Halifax. TO COME OUT
AND SEE ME,
people for so long before you start getting “I didn’t have a rucksack when I was
under their feet. homeless,” recalled Colin. “I just had a
“I was drinking quite heavily. I
wasn’t talking to people, I was shouting
big Parker jacket.
So, Colin toured charity shops in the TO LISTEN TO
at people.
“Basically, I became homeless, a
town to collect items for the rucksacks
which he or Happydays distributed. SOMEONE WHO
rough sleeper through debts, addiction
to alcohol, broken relationships, and
The idea snowballed when he was
introduced to Hazel Brindle, who was
HAD HIT ROCK
depression. then President of Sowerby Bridge Rotary. BOTTOM, AND
WE TOOK IT UP
“I stopped caring. I didn’t know Colin added: “Rotary took the time
what to do. All I wanted was keep myself to come out and see me, to listen to
to myself. I suppose I was a bit ashamed.
I don’t blame anybody but myself.
“I just got it wrong. I got it wrong
someone who had hit rock bottom, and
we took it up from there.”
For Hazel, the rucksack project
FROM THERE.”
because I didn’t have the strength to cope hit a nerve. Hazel worked on a trust
at the time. That was it, I lost everything, programme which dealt with vulnerable
so I ended up rough sleeping, even young people, 95% of whom were
sleeping in a cave.” homeless, had a drug addiction or been
That moment at the viaduct was the convicted of criminal offences.
turning point. “It really touched my heart to see
Colin started to cut down on the these young people, who came to us with
drinking, slowly got back on his feet no self-confidence, but who taught me
rotarygbi.org June/July 2022 | Rotary | 7
Rotary | FEATURE
“EACH OF THE FILLED RUCKSACKS
COSTS ABOUT £85 WHICH IS FUNDED BY
DONATIONS TO SOWERBY BRIDGE ROTARY.
THEY HAVE RECENTLY BEEN LEFT AN £8,000
LEGACY TO HELP WITH THAT WORK”.
more about life than I ever knew,” added Hazel. saved my life, it has helped me so much
she recalled. “Happydays distribute them because and helped me to keep going for a few
“As club president, I wanted to do they know the support workers in the weeks until I can find a property and
something to help the homeless. area. Colin has a supply of them too as support.”
"When I met Dave Fawcett from he often gets calls from people wanting As for Colin, he found a settled place
Happydays, he mentioned that Colin rucksacks. Colin knows these people and to live, and was visited regularly by his
had been doing something on his own knows they are going to the right place.” 28-year-old daughter. He admitted he
collecting rucksacks from various charity Sowerby Bridge would love to missed seeing his other daughter, whose
shops and buying hygiene products out expand the project wider across mother has moved on.
of his own pocket. Yorkshire to Bradford, Kirklees and Colin dreamt one day of starting
“Dave said it would give Colin a Leeds, but that would require further a business, buying and selling Vespa
purpose if we joined forces.” funding or partners who want to expand scooters which he had repaired.
So the project began. Initially, some this project. “That morning, five years ago, I
of the homeless would take the rucksacks John Needell, who is Colin’s long- turned my life round and did something
and sell them to buy drugs or alcohol. time mentor and friend, talked about about it to live independently.
Now the process has been refined, turning the project national. “All my bills are paid. I’m not in debt.
with Colin advising and being at the Prior to Covid, he and Colin had I have met so many nice and genuine
heart of the initiative. discussions with an agri-chemicals people, not people who want to take
To give Rucksacks 4 Homeless a company and a homeless charity in things off me. People that welcome me.
professional look, Rotarian Rupert Manchester interested in funding and “I know if I had not gone on that
Cooke, who is a graphic designer, came supporting a project just across the journey I would not have met all these
up with the project branding. Pennines. lovely people.”
The logo design is based on the “We would provide the rucksacks, Colin died peacefully on May 16th
Paul Weller song ‘Broken Stones’, which the business would help with the after a short illness. His family asked for
has lyrics about trying to find your way fund-raising, and we would work with the article to be published as a tribute to
home. He has also made a series of short the homeless charity in Manchester to his life and work. l
films to promote the project. distribute the rucksacks to the right
Each of the filled rucksacks costs people” explained John.
about £85 which is funded by donations The impact is impressive, but the
to Sowerby Bridge Rotary. rucksacks are a sticking plaster. They
| Information |
They have recently been left an create a bridge and temporary solution If you would like to know
£8,000 legacy to help with that work. which enables the homeless to get the more visit: happydaysuk.org
“We work with Happydays and longer term help they need. To watch Colin's film,
SmartMove, which are two of the Colin added: “I have had people scan the QR code:
homeless organisations in the area,” come up to me and say this rucksack
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Rotary | FEATURE
THE HOMELESS SHELTER
THAT NEEDS A HOME
The story of an innovative Rotary project that helped the homeless population
across the Midlands and its hopes for the future post-pandemic.
B
ACK in 2017, Angelo Buratti of Shelterbus team led by Angelo’s son Shepherd, Birmingham Breakfast Rotary
the Birmingham Breakfast Rotary Luca Buratti. had to make the hard decision of cutting
Club was trying to think of a way Even the brief time the bus was able ties with the bus, so Angelo took matters
to help the homeless off the streets to operate before lockdown, Angelo was into his own hands.
but without the funds it would take to able to see the impact the bus had for the Angelo remembers: “I wouldn’t
build a brick-built unit. homeless community. accept the idea of itthe bus just turning
When it was realised that they could He explains: “The bus is a really good to nothing, so I ended up taking over the
use a shelter that could move around to intermediate point because there’s a lot bus.”
where it’s needed, that’s when the idea for of people who’ve come off the streets that Despite the pandemic hampering
a suitably equipped bus came around. don’t want to sleep in a brick building progress, Angelo still believes there is a
Angelo recalls: “I came up with the because they all sleep together for fear of demand for the Shelterbus and that it
idea of getting the bus, then went about people pinching their stuff, whereas the could make an impact in the hands of the
with one of the guys at Rotary who was bus has more security. right charity or organisation.
an architect to design the inside of the bus “The bus got used by an organisation He states: “I think there is a future
and then I redesigned it myself and got it that was providing shelter for people and for the bus and I think what it needs is a
fitted.” just before lockdown people were actually charity that can think outside the box.
That design included 10 private, breaking into the bus!” “For individual companies who
secure overnight sleeping pods, a light Alas, like so many other projects in want to put money into helping
cooking space, washing and toilet 2020, the Shelterbus had to be taken charitable organisations, that bus works
facilities, provision for pets, and a out of service as they couldn’t have large as an advertising platform to let people
medical/private consultation space. groups of people congregating on the bus. understand the plight of homelessness.” l
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out moreRotary | FEATURE
Rotary’s got it all
wrapped up Winter coats donated to Rotary clubs across the UK
have been going to homeless charities to help those
sleeping on the streets.
| BY DAVE KING |
12 | Rotary | June/July 2022 rotarygbi.orgRotary | FEATURE
F
OUR years ago, London, who had followed the WrapUp women’s, children and babies.
Accrington Rotarian campaigns over the past two years. While being sorted, the donations
Ann-Marie They were so impressed by their are checked to make sure all buttons are
Etherington was success that they wanted to forge a intact, zips are working and that they are
visiting London on partnership with Rotary. clean and in good enough condition.
business when she WrapUp Lancashire changed its Jacquie explained that coats are not
spotted a statue name to WrapUp UK to reflect the given directly to the homeless and needy
outside Paddington ambition of the team to drive the project persons. Instead, they work through
station dressed in coats. nationwide, and which was launched at charities and community organisations
They were promoting a homeless Volunteer Expo last May. which provide frontline services to the
initiative organised by Hands On Today, there are 15 clusters involving homeless, the elderly, refugees, children
London. For more than a decade, the more than 50 Rotary clubs. Within and families living in poverty or those
organisation has been collecting, sorting that number there are newcomers to fleeing domestic violence.
and distributing warm winter coats the project including Bury, Cardiff, When a needy person reaches out to
during winter to the capital’s homeless Middlesbrough, Lanarkshire, Tameside a charity for a coat this winter, hopefully
via various charities who have direct and West of Scotland. they will also discover other forms of
contact with the homeless. From the most recent campaign, support available to them.
By adopting this approach, it often last year, 130 charities benefited from She added: “It’s amazing that
provides a gateway for someone to access 31,000 items collected by 290 volunteers a donated coat could kick-start a
services and help them get back on putting in 3,000 volunteering hours, and relationship between those in need
their feet. featuring 52 Rotary clubs. and the charities that can help them
WrapUp London has become one of by providing year-round services and
the charity’s biggest volunteering events, support.”
which has seen around 180,000 coats Jacquie is hoping that the campaign
distributed and 87 projects supported. can spread even further. The WrapUp
Ann-Marie discussed what she had team will be attending Volunteer Expo
seen with her now fellow team members, in Birmingham next month, and she
Malcolm and Jacquie Baldwin and Pam said that now was a good time for Rotary
Holgate at a Blackburn Rotaract Charter clubs interested in getting involved for
night. It was agreed that they would take next winter to make an approach.
the idea forwards. She explained that it takes a bit of
The idea was discussed with clubs in organisation to set up. The WrapUp team
East Lancashire and, as a result, WrapUp help clubs to work together to structure
Lancashire was hatched with the blessing groups in their local area.
of Hands On London. They are able to provide resources
In the first year, 2018, the project including a dedicated page on the
operated within a two-month window, WrapUp UK website, branded collection
October and November in preparation boxes, bags for distribution and
for the cold weather setting in for the much more.
winter. The Accrington President, Jacquie
Seven Rotary clubs in East Baldwin, added: “Our aim and hope is
Lancashire partnered for WrapUp Jacquie said: “This is why I joined that this project will continue to run
Lancashire, collecting 2,300 items of Rotary, to make a difference by working annually throughout Rotary in Great
winter clothing with 10 local charities directly to help those in need without Britain and Ireland providing support to
benefitting. having to shake a bucket.” those in need in our own communities.
Following feedback from the According to Jacquie, the secret of “We also hope that this project
charities, it was decided the following the project’s success and sustainability will raise the profile and awareness of
year to extend the project across the is forging partnerships with other clubs Rotary. Indeed, the efforts of the West of
whole of the Cumbria and Lancashire who want to make a difference in their Scotland campaign were praised in the
Rotary District. Some clubs in the own communities. Scottish Parliament.” l
Manchester area also joined in and there The sole aim of a WrapUp campaign
was even an outpost in Chelmsford! is to get donated coats to those who
By 2019, more than 40 Rotary clubs struggle to keep warm during the winter | Information |
were involved, resulting in some 35,000 months.
If you would like to know more
items of winter clothing being collected Once donated coats have been
visit: wrapupuk.org
and distributed to 170 charities. collected at collection points arranged by
handsonlondon.org.uk/wrap-uplondon
In early 2020, the team were the Rotary clubs, volunteers get to work
contacted by the Trustees of Hands On sorting the items into categories, men’s,
rotarygbi.org June/July 2022 | Rotary | 13Rotary | FEATURE
LIFE-CHANGING SLEEP PODS
Sleep Pod UK has been working with Midlands-based Erdington Rotary to help the
homeless who have experienced a tough winter with their life-changing pods.
T
HE winter months of December Once completed, the pods are handed warmth and security in the bitter weather.
and January have been the most over from Sleep Pod UK to homeless “During our time volunteering there
demanding on homeless charities charities. They are then distributed to were 2,000 refugees and the support
as the pressure for shelter for the those that need them the most. being received from Britain was scarce,”
homeless is at its annual peak due to the Erdington Rotarians have supported explained Julian. “The ever-occurring
freezing temperatures. the charity through donations as well as threat to the people we were looking after
However, with the support from hands on help with building the pods was the cold.
dedicated Rotarians many lives have been during meetings. “We were constantly giving out tents
touched this winter by Birmingham-based The club has also engaged with the which have been collected from festival
charity, Sleep Pod UK. local community to encourage people grounds, however, they would soon
Sleep Pod UK builds one-person, joining the ‘build at home’ programme. become ineffective.
triangular prism shelters which allow a The project was set up in late "Blankets and sleeping bags would be
homeless individual to be protected from January 2022 allowing those who cannot wet and dirty, and the waste was extreme.”
the elements, including snow, rain and the commute an opportunity to help. With Following this experience, the trio
freezing temperature which come with each person building five to ten pods and decided to take action and to create the
winter. more than 60 people signing up, over 365 sleep pod design. Justin handed over built
The pods maintain their warmth pods were built for the first collection. pods to already established charities in
inside through insulation. Using double Sleep Pods’ story began when co- Birmingham for distribution.
skin aluminium foil sheeting with a founders, Justin Devereux, Ian Ashby, He explained: “The majority of
waterproof outer layer. Each pod is and Pete Kenyon met during their time people that did give their feedback used
supported with bamboo sticks which are volunteering at a refugee camp in Calais, the words ‘life’ and ‘saving’.” l
light and durable, making them easy to France. Very early on, they all realised how
carry and assemble. dire conditions were for the refugees.
Complete pods can be manufactured Freezing temperatures became the
for only £30, and this includes all biggest threat to the estranged families | Information |
materials that are needed. Building the who were forced out of their home Visit Sleep Pod UK at sleeppod.org.uk
pods takes less than an hour and is as countries fleeing wars and political
For Zoom clubs:
simple as eight straightforward steps uproars. Strangers would huddle together
rotarysleeppod@gmail.com
completed by volunteers. around fires seeking the slightest feeling of
14 | Rotary | June/July 2022 rotarygbi.orgTired,
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Rotary at
its best
With war still raging in Ukraine, what impact
is Rotary having providing humanitarian aid to
countries affected by the conflict?
| BY DAVE KING |
I
NEVER thought I would find step, as an individual wanting to help
myself at the centre of a massive our Rotary colleagues and our doctor
tragedy and trying to do a colleagues in Ukraine. But suddenly,
little bit to help the people of collectively, the message had power.
Ukraine.” Because I stepped forward in the name
Those are the words of of Rotary and because of that, people took
retired consultant Dr John notice of me.”
Philip, who has been at the forefront of John is one part of a collaborative
efforts to provide humanitarian relief effort under the umbrella of the Rotary
to the war-torn country as Chairman of GB&I Ukraine Taskforce.
the International Rotary Fellowship of Chaired by Jersey Rotarian, Allan
Healthcare Professionals. Smith, it provides a co-ordinated
Ever since the Russian invasion in approach to the crisis – firstly, providing
February, this group of Rotarians drawn humanitarian aid to Ukraine and
from across the world, has been working bordering countries, and secondly
closely with doctors in Ukraine. They are assisting displaced people in Ukraine, as
not only providing medical equipment, well as refugees seeking sanctuary in
but training too. these isles.
In April, 3,850 Ukrainian doctors The Rotary GB&I team responsible
joined a training session organised by the for refugees is the resilience team which
Fellowship to tackle the management of is co-led by Brenda Parsons and Peter
blast injuries. That recording has since Dowse.
been viewed 10,000 times. “Sometimes, as Rotarians, we are
“I think this is Rotary at its best,” looking for projects to do,” explained Allan
explained John, a member of Newbury Smith. “The dreadful situation in Ukraine
Rotary in Berkshire. “We had a choice of has provided that focus.
closing our eyes and living in our comfort "This has enabled us to really prove
zone. But we got involved. how important Rotary is worldwide.”
“For me, personally, it was a big For Dr John Philip, that impact is
16 | Rotary | June/July 2022 rotarygbi.org“SOMETIMES, AS ROTARIANS, WE ARE LOOKING
FOR PROJECTS TO DO. THE DREADFUL SITUATION
IN UKRAINE HAS PROVIDED THAT FOCUS. THIS HAS
ENABLED US TO REALLY PROVE HOW IMPORTANT
ROTARY IS WORLDWIDE.”
being firmly felt on the frontline. we have been supplying tourniquets and machine needed in a Ukrainian hospital
“Our focus at the very beginning other devices to manage shrapnel injuries. for premature babies costing €60,000
was to deliver medical aid to the people "And we have been able to supply a and Rotarian contacts in Italy provided
of Ukraine,” he said. “And we made a large amount of equipment to hospitals at the equipment without cost.
decision to deliver that aid through the request of local Rotarians.” The Fellowship is currently in
Rotarian doctors working in Ukraine. Since February, the Fellowship has discussions with acquiring medical
“For obvious reasons, emergency raised nearly £200,000, and in the first instruments from another international
medical aid has dominated our thinking couple of months provided more than company.
for what we call polytrauma. £80,000 in life-saving equipment and “We have been told there are a lot of
"Some of the injuries which people supplies. pregnant mothers who are giving birth to
are suffering are so horrendous to see. But it is the connection of Rotarians underweight children born prematurely,”
We have been able to assist with doctors which has enabled the Fellowship to added John.
to manage some of the very complicated partner with medical manufacturers who “That’s not entirely surprising when
injuries which people have been suffering.” have generously donated equipment. you think about the conditions they have
John and his team of medical One example was shipping out been living through.
practitioners drawn from across Europe an x-ray machine to identify shrapnel “The Ukrainians wanted a large
meet online with their Ukrainian injuries. number of specialised equipment to keep
counterparts once a week. A Rotarian who is a Chief Executive these babies alive in vulnerable conditions.
They gather information about what of Siemens in Austria heard of the need "So we have been able to provide
is needed in the country’s hospitals and and the company delivered four machines special resuscitation equipment to 35
the Fellowship gather together the aid. valued at €500,000 free of charge. neonatal units.
“In terms of managing polytrauma, John and his team identified a “But alongside this, there are also
rotarygbi.org June/July 2022 | Rotary | 17Rotary | FEATURE
“THERE ARE QUITE A FEW SPECIALISTS
WHO ARE WORKING WITH US TO ADVISE
WHAT IS POSSIBLE TO SUPPORT THE
MEDICAL TEAMS IN UKRAINE. ”
other medical issues to consider; people and Canadian doctors. tourniquets, we can target them to specific
with chronic diseases, people with “There are quite a few specialists places. Currently we are supplying 2,000
diabetes and other diseases. who are working with us to advise what is tourniquets each week. We could afford to
"We have been able to highlight the possible to support the medical teams in buy 20,000, but we won’t do that. It’s that
importance of caring for people with non- Ukraine. We have got our team of doctors kind of specific targeted action which has
emergency conditions as well. and pharmacists from the UK, Austria, enabled us to maximise our impact.
“And we have discussed about Germany, Poland, and almost all of the “There is no wastage. None of the
internally displaced children being frontline countries. things we are supplying are sitting in
unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. We “Because we have got safe transit warehouses or in boxes.”
are currently discussing the possibility routes sorted out, we have been able to John said he wanted to thank
of working with UNICEF to launch a offer logistical advice to several Rotary Rotarians in Great Britain and Ireland
vaccination programme with Ukraine.” teams in the United States to transfer for their financial support. But they need
Medical staff are working under the safely medical goods into Poland and, more. “We need more money because
most extreme conditions, with the World from there, into Ukraine. we are in this for the long term,” he
Health Organization pointing out that “People are taking notice that we pointed out.
dozens of Ukrainian medical facilities have the right kind of people in Ukraine, “The immediate needs are being met,
have been hit in airstrikes. as well as the right kind of strategy to but we are looking into the future.
The International Rotary Fellowship make sure we can target medical aid to "We want to be standing with the
of Healthcare Professionals has also been the appropriate places in the appropriate doctors in Ukraine, Rotarians and non-
putting together pastoral support for the manner. Rotarians, to rebuild the health service,
doctors who are suffering emotionally. " There are many other medical offering them support, the training and
“We never sought and we never charities which do not have that medical education.
thought we would have this position,” connectivity. “We want to be thinking big, and we
said John. "And I think when other want Rotary to be there. We want Rotary
“But because of our proximity and organisations collect or buy things, they to be a big player in the reconstruction of
connectivity we have started to gain an can dump them in border warehouses the health service in the Ukraine.” l
international reputation. without knowing where they will end up.
"We are now working with American “Whereas, if we get a request for
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items fit for resale by the British Heart Foundation will be donated. British Heart Foundation is a registered Charity No. 225971Rotary | FEATURE
Getting your hands
dirty and achieving
A look at the work of the Rotary Inter-Country
Committees during the Ukraine conflict.
O
NE of the unique of Rotary’s Inter-Country Committees. countries, such as Moldova, Poland and
qualities of Rotary James Onions from Kew Gardens Romania.
is its connectivity. Rotary, in the London Borough of He cites the example of Yeovil
That ability, through Richmond upon Thames, heads up the Rotarian and doctor, Michael Fernando,
a common bond, to body in Great Britain & Ireland. who identified an urgent need for
come together and “The ICC is an enabler of Rotarians clean water just weeks after the war in
make things happen. doing things together,” he explained. “So Ukraine.
So far in Great Britain & Ireland, when there’s a crisis, there are some go-to Working with the ICC, the Water,
Rotary clubs have raised up to £3.5 people who can make it happen.” Sanitation and Hygiene Rotary Action
million in goods and donations sent to James is working directly with Group and Rotarians on the ground,
Ukraine. Rotary clubs and districts to send funds work began with UNICEF to remedy the
The ICC could be easily direct to areas of need. situation.
misrepresented as a global cricketing That need is being identified by James explained that in Great
body, when it reflects, instead, the work Rotarians in Ukraine and bordering Britain & Ireland, their focus has been
20 | Rotary | June/July 2022 rotarygbi.orgworking with poorer countries in the Ukranian people by spending time thought of working with Rotary,” he
region such as Moldova, Romania and with them. explained.
Bulgaria where refugees are heading to. But for James and the team, he “UNICEF realised they would work
“The fact that we had ICCs in place believes their work has only just begun, with a network of a thousand Rotarians
has enabled us to move quickly to make and there will be a need for more funding across Ukraine to help make their work
contact with Ukraine, understanding to support their work. succeed.”
some of their requirements and begin to “There is still a lot of emergency James added: “As Rotarians, we have
fulfil them,” he said. work to be done,” he added. enabled a lot of things to happen. We
“Moldova is the poorest country in “Whether that be water, medicine, have empowered individuals and Rotary
Europe. It has got about 100 Rotarians shelter or even reconstruction, there will in those countries to do more than they
and eight clubs. We are working with be a need for that emergency work to would otherwise have been able to do.”
them as they are looking after 5,000 of continue for as long as the war continues, Allan Smith, head of the Rotary
the 90,000 refugees in Moldova. and probably for a while longer. Ukraine Taskforce agreed. “I think we
“The Rotarians have partnered “One of the big issues is refugees and are making a significant contribution, far
with a Spanish charity called Jeunes, my gut feeling is that Rotary can help greater than we had envisaged.
who are providing goods from Spain to a lot here. In Moldova, we’re talking to "The clubs and districts have done
Moldova, and we have been paying for 5,000 refugees. Rotarians are supporting a very good job raising money and
the transport costs. them with aid. Rotarians are going there transmitting money to where it is needed.
"The goods include non-perishable talking to them.” “They have also sourced a lot
food, baby goods, hygiene products One of the clear consequences of of goods, products which they have
and medicines. Each consignment is Rotary’s work in eastern Europe, even at managed to transport to Ukraine and
worth around €100,000 and, so far, we this early moment, is the esteem which bordering countries. So I have been very
have helped with six shipments – each the organisation is held in. heartened.
shipment costs us around €7,000.” “We have now become the “It’s been Rotary getting its hands
The ICC is also working closely with mouthpiece for medical issues in dirty and achieving. If we hadn’t been
Rotaract across Europe. At the start of Ukraine,” said Dr John Philip, Chairman here, I think there would have been a gap
the conflict, Rotaract Europe worked to of the International Rotary Fellowship of in the market.
get visiting students and young people Healthcare Professionals. “We have huge credibility because we
safely out of the war zone to border James Onions points out a meeting are Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland and
countries. they held with UNICEF recently to we speak with one voice.
Interact is also active in border discuss water and sanitation in Ukraine. "We’re not finding that across the
countries. In Romania and Moldova, “You could see that UNICEF were world, but we are focused and this has
they add normality to the lives of young resource-hungry, but they had not earned Rotary a lot of respect.” l
rotarygbi.org June/July 2022 | Rotary | 21Rotary | FEATURE
A safer future
Thousands of Ukranian refugees are seeking sanctuary from
the war in their homeland. The Korchak family are settling in
Somerset with Rotarians Julie and Rory O'Donnell.
| BY DAVE KING |
W
ITH Olga is telling the story from
Russian Kingston St Mary, a village just outside
bombs of Taunton, Somerset, where she is
raining staying with Rotarians Julie and Rory
down O’Donnell.
on the They had registered with the
Ukrainian Government scheme, Homes for
town of Kolomyia, Olga Korchak was Ukrainians which had approved 4,700
told by the driver she had 40 minutes visas by the end of March from 28,300
to pack her bags and collect her three applications received.
children for the 1,500-mile trip to “We had registered with the
England. scheme but matched ourselves through
There was no time to waste. a Facebook page run by volunteers,”
“I packed just two bags and got in explained Julie.
the car,” said Olga. “We were very scared. So, for two days and two nights,
Bombs were exploding in the town. Olga, with her children Evelina, 16,
"They turned everything red. Maksym, 7, and six-year-old Sofia,
They shook our house and broke the travelled from western Ukraine, leaving
windows.” behind husband and father, Igor, 45, a
Through social media, Olga had traffic policeman.
found a driver who would help her get Olga’s sisters fled to Italy and
to England, a country she had learned Poland with their families, as Kolomyia
about at school and always wanted to was shelled by Russian planes.
visit. She had to sell all her jewellery to Even then, the process of entering
pay the man, plus cash of £800 – a debt the UK was not simple. Olga and her
which 39-year-old Olga still owes. family were stranded in Calais trying to
get visas.
Julie reached out to the Rotary
Club of Calais where Rotarians Sylviane
“IT HAS BEEN A LONG AND SCARY PROCESS and Guillaume housed the family for 10
TO GET TO ENGLAND, AND VERY DIFFICULT. days. All the while, Olga and Julie were
texting each other.
WITHOUT JULIE AND RORY, WE COULD NOT Julie recalled: “The heart-
HAVE DONE IT. BUT NOW WE ARE SAFE, AND wrenching part of this for us at this end
were the messages from Olga saying
UNDERSTAND WE ARE HOME." ‘please don’t change your mind, please
tell us where to go and what to do’.
And this was just one family. It is
a microcosm of what is happening to
22 | Rotary | June/July 2022 rotarygbi.orgso many people, but it really brings it old Grandma hosts the whole family. As for chocolate English Easter
home to you.“It makes me angry that Kolomyia is famous for its museums eggs, they are a real novelty.
wonderful people who are welcoming and its Easter exhibitions. Olga knew little of Rotary before
people into their homes may not be able The family watch the news every finding Julie and Rory. She is astonished
to get through the system on behalf of night, and they are in touch with Igor at how well connected Rotary is, and
the refugees that they are hosting.” and family through the internet and has vowed to find a Rotary club when
But now the Ukrainian family is social media. she returns to the Ukraine.
settling in Somerset, having arrived at “At the moment Kolomyia is quiet, She adds: “It has been a long and
the beginning of April. but like children when they are quiet, scary process to get to England, and
And for the children, every day is you start to worry,” reflected Olga. very difficult. Without Julie and Rory,
like a birthday as the local community “Refugees from eastern Ukraine are we could not have done it. But now we
have rallied round bringing toys, clothes now staying in homes in my town.” are safe, and understand we are home.
and gifts to the O’Donnell’s home. Julie adds: “The other day we were “Despite the difficulties, we still
“Their generosity has been in the garden and an EasyJet plane flew managed to get to a place where we feel
amazing,” explained Olga, whose overhead. Maksym looked at his mum safe, though it hurts to remember what
English has been steadily improving, asking whether the plane was going to is happening in Ukraine.” l
and who is hoping to take classes. hurt them. There are plenty of scars.”
Teenage daughter Evelina has been What the future holds for the
doing work experience at a Taunton Korchaks, no-one knows. They will | UKRAINE |
hotel, while Maksym and Sofia have return home one day, but when: no-one Kolomyia
visited a school. knows. Olga does not speak of what her
Depending on their length of stay husband, who used to be in the Army, is
in the UK – and the O’Donnells have doing now, but the concern is clear
committed to hosting the family for to see.
at least six months – Olga is hoping So distraction is the key, adjusting
to work, while looking to secure some to English life in a rural Somerset
education for her children. village.
All the while, however, thoughts Olga is learning to ride a bike, the
inevitably turn to home. Easter is a family are enjoying Rory’s roast beef and
special time when Olga’s 76-year- cauliflower cheese.
rotarygbi.org June/July 2022 | Rotary | 23You can also read
