Jeff Hassett reported the amazing news that the Club raised nearly $12,000 in fines and pledges from last week on top of the $5,000 the Board voted to forward to RI for Ukraine relief. The giving got going in earnest following a challenge by Tom Sherman. All funds will be directed to RI for their continuing help in the war-torn country. Following the lively and very productive session from the Fine Masters, we were brought back to earth with the sobering news of daily life in Ukraine. Adrienne DeBlieux Speed brought us the story of a recent Zoom presentation with the Kiev Rotary Club. The compelling story detailed the struggles of the "8 year war" with Russia, the urgent need for help and supplies and the great works of RI in and around Ukraine. Joining the Zoom was a Rotarian from a Club in Slovakia. This club is just 100 miles from the Ukraine border. Rotarians throughout the region are taking refugees into their homes as they can. Each day a train brings supplies from Slovakia to Ukraine and returns with 600+ refugees. Residents are worried Putin's war may spread into other parts of Europe, causing considerable angst among the citizenry. Dogs could be heard barking on the Zoom call, in response to bombs dropping nearby. God be with all these brave souls. |