This Week - Lesley & Nicola McDonald

 

Nicola achieved 7 distinctions in Matric last year despite still sitting exams when her father was shot in a car hijacking from which he subsequently died.  She has been offered a place at the University College, Utrecht and she and her mother, Lesley, have been raising money to make this a reality with a successful golf day and many other things.  

They will be talking to us about the field of study and how they are managing fundraising as well as how we can assist.  Immediately our international contacts come to mind with Rotary Clubs in Utrecht itself.

Last Week

An interesting talk by Kimmel about Kumkani Clothing.  He really has established a business from nothing.  It shows how difficult it is to start something in the clothing industry when it comes to persuading manufacturers to make very short runs of garments when you are starting off.  Also it really highlighted the problem of the one person business when it is very difficult to promote it and handle production and sales at the same time.

Next Week

It's the 5th Wednesday Dinner which will be at the new Ottimo's.  Ilesh will be putting it up a poll on the WhatsApp Group soon.  Unfortunately we will be unable to attend as it's the Alexander Education Committee Cocktail Party for donors at which I am an unpaid helper.

International - South Korea

Korean Rotarians step up in the nation’s largest wildfire

In late March 2025, massive wildfires swept across southeastern Korea, including parts of Gyeongsang and Ulsan. The fires burned over 48,000 hectares — nearly 80% the size of Seoul — making it the largest wildfire in Korean history. Driven by strong winds, the flames spread rapidly, destroying over 3,000 homes, damaging 2,000 farming facilities, and forcing more than 37,000 people to evacuate. At least 82 people lost their lives, and significant cultural heritage sites were reduced to ashes.

Recognising the urgent needs of evacuees, Rotary Districts swiftly assessed the damage and began delivering food, water, hygiene kits, and essential supplies to shelters and affected communities. They weren’t responding to a headline. They were helping neighbours, friends, and fellow Rotary members. This is the story of how Rotary in Korea stepped up when their country needed them most.

Coordinated response, measurable project outputs

Rotary districts across Korea responded rapidly and cohesively, combining local action with national coordination.

In South Gyeongsang, Rotary members delivered over 10,000 emergency items to evacuation shelters—ranging from towels and masks to food and water. One club even prepared 1,000 handmade hamburgers, a small gesture of comfort during a time of immense loss.

In Ulsan and North Gyeongsang, clubs mobilised to deliver tens of thousands of hot meals, hygiene kits, and other supplies. Trucks served protein-rich meals in Andong and Pohang, while volunteers cleared orchards, demolished damaged homes, and supported temple restoration projects with donated heavy equipment.

Across all affected areas, Rotarians raised more than ₩37 million (US$28,000) and worked together to quickly secure US$100,000 in disaster response grants from The Rotary Foundation—a critical boost that allowed clubs to scale up operations and support more people in crisis.

These efforts weren’t isolated—they reflected the strength of Rotary’s network, the speed of its response, and the compassion of its members.

“Disasters like these strike without warning. No one is truly prepared—but Rotary is always there for the community,” said Ung Seop Jeong, Governor of Rotary District 3590. “We hope our support provides some comfort as residents begin to rebuild their lives.”