Margie Kostelac started the project in 2006 in Cape Town with 180 shoe boxes now the project is national with over 1,3 million boxes having been distributed.
Of course there is much more to it than just the distribution of boxes because communities are involved and assisted and there is an emphasis on early childhood development.
It promises to be an interesting talk.
Last Week
Kyle Rauf touched on his trip to Morocco and various aspects of his work which had been covered in Knight & Day in greater depth.
Next Week
It's the District Governor Maria Angélica Salomão's official visit. She has visited us before, unofficially, at President Lauwrence Vosloo's Induction. This time she will be visiting Cresset House and maybe a couple of other projects. The board meeting and the club meeting will be on Zoom and she will probably be at Cresset at the time.
International - Ukraine
rotary and the reality of life in ukraine (NO Pictures)
From the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Rotarians in Great Britain and
Ireland have stood shoulder to shoulder with those in District 2232 in Ukraine.
What began with emergency appeals has grown into a deep, trusted partnership, rooted in
humanity, not charity. Help has come in many forms including: financial support,
friendship, practical aid such as water solutions, ambulances, generators, medical
equipment, school supplies - and gifts comfort and friendship for children.
Despite the danger, Rotary in Ukraine has not only endured—it has grown. “People can see
the good Rotary is doing,” added Will. “It gives structure, hope, and a way to help.”
For Yulia Pavichenko, Charter President of the Rotary Club Ukraine Sunrise, the war is
brutally personal. She lives in Kharkiv, just 30 kilometres from the Russian border.
“There are no military targets near me. Still, I hear drones, missiles, and explosions every
single day,” she explained. “I sleep in the hallway on a mattress in case glass shatters from
a blast. I carry a tourniquet and bandages in my handbag. I buy bottled water because the
tap water is brown and unsafe. This is my everyday life.”
A neurobiologist and coach, Yulia focuses on Rotary mental health projects. “Mental health
is a front line that cannot be seen but often determines whether someone can get up in
the morning – or not,” she added.
“Peace is not just silence. Peace is water, food, education, warmth. Supporting Rotary in
Ukraine is building peace in real, concrete ways.”
Rotary’s work has evolved as needs have changed – from generators, school supplies, food
parcels, medical equipment, water, shelter and more. Borys Bodnar, who is based in the
western city of Lviv, is central in co-ordinating aid which pours into Ukraine from Rotary
clubs across the world.
He said: “We want to express our deep gratitude to Aquabox, Water Survival Box and
Grifaid for their unrelenting support.”
Will Jackson, Borys and Tony Preston, all members of the Rotary GB&I Ukraine Team, are
currently installing a fifth AquaSet water treatment system in a hospital - designed, built,
installed and maintained by Ukrainians for Ukrainians.
Will Jackson, who is also the Rotary District 1100 Ukraine Lead and involved with other groups and
charities helping Ukraine, lists a few impactful projects supported by Rotary:
Orchards in rural villages for displaced and military families to grow food and regain
independenceHospital and Rehabilitation support in cities like Cherkasy, Svitlovods’k, and
Oleksandriya – ranging from medical equipment and generators, to puzzles and
sensory toys for childrenTransport and employment – community buses, ambulances, 4x4’s, sewing machines
and training for displaced peopleMental health and veterans’ care including new plans for a safe, inclusive recreational
space.Twinning and new Rotary clubs, including satellite clubs formed by Ukrainians now
living in Great Britain and Ireland.
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