Natural disasters continue to happen with the latest to hit central Texas very hard this past week. We are hearing almost hourly news on the rescue portion of the Guadalupe River flooding.
It is beyond comprehension how strong raging flood waters can be going down steep inclines. As reality is setting in and rescue efforts are focused on ensuring all are accounted for, the next steps are relief and recovery.
Rotarians with a heart of service have established within the framework of Rotary International, a volunteer group of Rotarians called Disaster Aid USA (DAUSA). This group of Rotarians has been through 106 natural disasters in the USA. Its goal is mucking, cleaning, and recovering property after the rescue operations are winding down.
DAUSA goal is to build a significant humanitarian aid organization that provides immediate relief to those victims when disasters strike. DAUSA is not a First Responder. Its role is “Mucking and Gutting”, tarping roofs, chain-sawing, debris removal, helping prep meals, cooking, etc. DAUSA prides itself on being transparent, accountable with the objects of Rotary as its Foundation. We as Rotarians can deliver humanitarian aid effectively to world’s best practice with Rotary’s values seen for these actions on the world’s stage.
With this vision in place this American Rotary Club project has evolved. DAUSA is a Rotary project, and it is open to all U. S. Rotary Districts, their clubs and their members. Rotarians volunteer to help disaster areas by first logging onto the website for DAUSA, signing up to volunteer, and getting paired with a local community resident who is in rotary who will house and feed that volunteer. As of Thursday of last week, 244 Rotarians had volunteered to assist in the central Texas recovery actions. It is not a glamorous job to help muck out silt from someone’s home, but the knowledge of knowing you are helping a fellow human being is payment for the job itself. Ages of volunteers vary from teens to those retired. There is strength in numbers to help those going through the recovery phase.
Such recovery efforts cost money so Rotary Clubs throughout the world are donating money to their local Rotary Foundations to provide to DAUSA and to Rotary District 5840 Foundation. Our area’s District Governor Charley Gilliland distributed a message to Rotary Clubs in District 5910. Governor Gilliland had visited with the District Governor in the Central Texas area on Sunday, July 6th and had this message for local Rotarians on July 6th., “District Governor Craig Hardy asked me to send you the email that we are sending out to our Rotarians which includes the links for how people can donate to the Rotary District 5840 Foundation fund for the Disaster Relief.
Rotary District 5840 is now accepting tax-deductible donations through our 501(c)(3) Foundation to support urgent disaster relief efforts following the devastating flooding in Kerrville and nearby areas.
As many of you know, the Guadalupe River rose over 30 feet — well above its major flood stage — resulting in tragic loss of life and severe damage. Kerrville is home to two of our own Rotary Clubs, and together we are committed to standing with the community as they begin the long road to recovery.
Your generous contribution will:
• Provide some immediate relief to affected families
• Support local Rotarians in cleanup and rebuilding efforts
• Fund long-term recovery solutions within our communities
We are working hand-in-hand with the Rotary Clubs of Kerrville, who will guide us on how best to direct support and when it will be safe for volunteers to mobilize.”
As the days pass, recovery efforts by Rotarians will be having a positive, uplifting impact to those impacted by the torrential rains in central Texas.
Ron Saikowski may be reached at rsaikowski@comcast.net.
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