President Kristin Keller called the meeting to order.
Kevin Courtney offered the prayer and led the pledge to the flag.
Announcements
Wednesday May 25 a social was held at Taste of Europe 4:30 to 6:30. Fantastic food and cash bar. Wonderful to see members and spouses.
June 24 is Founders Night at Spring Lake Pavillion
Sergeant at Arms, Suzi Oliver collected Happy $$
Speaker -
Our speaker was Mark McCain, Shelter Box Ambassador. He is a member of the Sea Island Rotary Club in Beaufort and told us about this great organization.
Shelter Box fills the gap between short term and long term needs of the victims of war, natural disaster, etc. . It provides hope and gives families a place to call home. It has been helping people in places like Syria, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Yemen, Burkina, Faso, Mozambique, Haiti, Ukraine. They have responded to over 300 disasters worldwide, helping greater than 2 million people
The Box contains 145 pounds of materials such as: tent, cooking supplies, tool kit - with packages customized and made as multi purpose as possible. ShelterBox only goes into areas that they are invited, they land in the country and meet with Rotarians, community leaders, government officials, arrange the transportation, and return to assist. They are currently in Ukraine and consider that it is going to be a "long haul" need to help transient families who are moving to another location with the intention of returning. The decision to respond is based on: government response; number of families affected; type of aid needed; length of time needed; speed of recovery; ShelterBox resources; safety; global development index rating. 91% of the money goes back in. To learn more check them out on facebook. The cost of a Shelter Box is still $1000, costs have been kept down made possible by donations. Volunteers are also needed and would like to have each Rotary club have someone involved - Club Champion.
