Message from President Catherine.
Welcome to 2025 and what is sure to be another exciting year. We have some wonderful speakers lined up for our lunches and plenty of volunteering opportunities.
Many of you, like me, have been watching the terrible devastation of the bush fires that have so badly affected Los Angeles. The latest update from Rotarians in Southern California who supported Australians so well during our devastating bush fires in 2019/2020, with the donation of 500,000 N95 face masks, which leaders at the time, DG Grant Hocking, pp Kevin Sheehan and Bob Glindemann, facilitated distribution across all affected Districts.
As the strong Santa Anna winds die down and with the likely loss of 24 lives, the damage so far includes:
Palisades Fire: Over 23,000 acres burned, with 22% containment.
Eaton Fire (Altadena/Pasadena, District 5300): Over 14,000 acres burned, now 55% contained.
Hurst Fire (Sylmar): Burned 800 acres and is now fully contained (100%).
The loss of homes, businesses, schools and everyday facilities is truly devastating. Once the fires are put out, the rebuilding will begin. It will take time ... a lot of time. But during all phases of the rebuild, those affected will need help. That's where Rotarians can step up and help.
District 5280 have created a Disaster Relief Fund so that any money donated can be appropriately used.
From a Rotary Melbourne perspective we are consulting with District in relation to the best approach to collect and donate funds to support those affected. We will provide more details on the donation process next week.
Regards,
Catherine
Catherine Baxter
President 2024/25
president@rotarymelbourne.org.au
For more information on the LA wildfires this article from Direct Relief vividly reflects the experience of the Eaton Fire evacuees. https://www.directrelief.org/2025/01/an-eaton-fire-first-responder-recalls-patients-fleeing-the-fast-growing-blaze/
