Posted on Apr 27, 2022
Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) experienced a special opportunity on Friday, April 22,  when it received an update via Zoom on Ukraine and how Rotary Disaster Response Fund donations are being utilized, both within District 2232 and specifically in Odessa.
 
Special guests included Nikolay Stebljanko (Past District Governor of D-2232) and Veniamin Lushpenko (Rotary Foundation Chair and Past President of the Odessa Rotary Club). Rotarian Lushpenko is personally known by ERC Rotarian Larry Myers, who attended meetings of the Odessa Rotary Club in 2017 & 2018. Nikolay Stebljanko is helping to coordinate Rotarian relief efforts throughout Ukraine. Click here to view a list of medical supplies that are needed. Click here to view a list of local Rotary clubs and districts throughout the world who are trying to assist those still inside Ukraine and her refugees.
 
Rotarian Stebljanko reported that, as of last week, more than USD $200,000 had been received by Rotary districts through the Rotary Disaster Response Fund to assist with humanitarian efforts on behalf of Ukraine, both inside and outside the country. Rotarian Lushpenko reported that members of Rotary Club Odessa have been buying humanitarian aid, medicines, and First Aid Kits for people who live in Odessa Region. About 10 years ago the Odessa Rotary Club, with cooperation with Rotary Club Aleksandria, bought a bus equipped with a ramp for disabled people. After the Russian invasion, Rotary Club Odessa has been using the bus to help disabled people to move around Odessa, to evacuate these people, and to transfer humanitarian aid and food around Odessa. To date the only sponsor from the USA is Rotary Club Rockwell (Iowa). Therefore, members of Rotary Club Odessa will be appreciate any involvement, participation, support, and help from other USA-based Rotary clubs! Funds are needed for these efforts and can be provided directly to the club by wire transfer without applying for a district grant via the Rotary Disaster Response Fund.
 
During the Zoom meeting, Theresa Reagan of the Milwaukee Rotary Club also spoke of that club's effort to collect, sort, and ship medical supplies to Ukraine. That effort can be reviewed by clicking here.
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