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Ethiopia 2015 - Be a gift to the world

  • Rotary Cocktail Fundraiser

      10 August 2015
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    It's nearly time to fly out to Ethiopia. Last minute packing of freight and suitcases before the Rotary Aid Adventure starts..... Thanks to all of those that came out and supported our fundraiser cocktail party in Lower Hutt.

    The Rotary Club of Hutt City and Rotary District 9940 are sponsoring a trip by Deb Mair and Wellington Phoenix Youth player Nati Hailemariam to Ethiopia. They leave on August 23 and will spend six weeks liaising with representatives from Save the Children, World Vision, Unicef, the United Nations Development Programme and a Rotary club in Addis Ababa as they research what would be the best form for a New Zealand-led aid project there.

    Last week's cocktail party at the Lower Hutt art museum raised about $4000 in cash, with a further $1500 in barter card dollars pledged from local business owners, Mair said.

    After singing and strumming on guitar a version of Last Train, Rotary Club of Hutt City president Cherian submitted to the scissors as attendees put in bids for the right to snip at his dreadlocks. Then a shearing blade weilded by Brian Ross was fired up after a $200 pledge was offered if Cherian lost the lot.

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  • Ethiopia in drought - July 2015

      23 July 2015
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    With the worst drought in 60 years in East Africa continuing and the toll in human suffering rising, the District Governor of District 9200, Eric Kimani, is appealing for help from Rotarians around the world.

    On the website of District 9200, which covers Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzinia and Uganda, he describes the situation: "Huge parts of our Rotary District 9200 are currently facing the worst food crisis of the 21st Century. We cannot afford to sit back when some 12 million people across Ethiopia, Kenya, northern Uganda and Somalia are in dire need of food, clean water, and basic sanitation. We are witnessing a human catastrophe that requires the attention of everyone as 12 million lives are on the line. This crisis is worsening and we have heard the denial and blame game. But as Rotarians, it is time to act.

    "Many in Somalia are unable to reach the refugee camps in Kenya, with seriously malnourished children abandoned by the roads. We can stop this kind of suffering. We can reach within ourselves and embrace humanity. Every minute counts. Every coin counts.

    "A rapid increase in emergency aid is required right now to save lives and protect livelihoods. This will enable people to rebuild their lives once the crisis is over. This human tragedy is quickly unfolding and there is no place to stand-by and watch.

    "The severe drought conditions that we are witnessing have created a Triangle of Deaths in Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and parts of Uganda, Eritrea, and Djibouti. We are stunned by the scale of devastation. The exodus of malnourished people to feeding centres is shocking.

    "While the entire region had experienced prolonged drought, this has been exacerbated by political instability (especially in Somalia) and climate change. But we must address the starving problem first. The hundreds of thousands turning up in refugee camps, or simply displaced from their homes are without medical aid, sanitation, or water.

    "The statistics are heart-wrenching: The lives of 12 million people are on the line unless we scale-up the international response. As Rotarians we should work in the underfunded areas such as provision of food, water, and sanitation. We should also carry out coordinated activities and reach quickly to populations most affected by the drought."

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  • Ethiopia Supplies coming in

      17 July 2015
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    Thank you for your kindness. We have already received food, clothing, balls, football boots, trainers & educational supplies.

    Dedicated people, united and working together, can change the world, one child at a time.

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  • Hutt News Media Release

      9 July 2015
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    Today we were interviewed by Simon Edwards, Editor of the Hutt News & Upper Hutt Leader. He wanted to know why the Rotary Club of Hutt City was fundraising. During our visit of 3wks to Ethiopia, rotary will deliver new clothing, food, sports balls & educational supplies to orphanages, schools & communities in need. We need to raise additional funds to pay for the cost of air freight to supply these gifts. Please give generously to alleviate suffering and the loss of life.

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