We are really fortunate to live in a peaceful country, aren’t we, yet we cannot ignore events that happen elsewhere, as they sometimes have a potential impact on us, or indeed on the next generation.
As members of a Rotary PeaceBuilder Club, we would do well to associate ourselves with this statement issued last week by Rotary International: [quote]
“It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world.
At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world.
As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue.
In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence. Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members, and others in Ukraine, coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support and peace to the region.” [unquote]
For peaceful lives, friendships in Rotary and the opportunity to serve, we give thanks.
Postscript from President Reg
Ukraine Humanitarian crisis
The vision of war in Eastern Europe is horrifying for us all but as Rotarians we know that this war inevitably brings humanitarian crises with it. I call on members to activate your networks and advise any member of the Board or any member of the International Programs Committee of opportunities for Rotary to help out in the Ukraine crisis. We will ask the International programs Committee to recommend appropriate emergency responses.
