Rotary Club of Montecito President Tom Fisher (middle) with representatives of ShelterBox USA, Kerri Murray, and Direct Relief, Dean Axelrod, two humanitarian disaster relief organizations that each received $10,500 donations from area Rotarians to further their work. Courtesy photo.
MONTECITO — The Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation has donated $10,500 each to two humanitarian relief organizations that are offering direct medical and shelter supplies and support to the people of Ukraine during this time of war and crisis. ShelterBoxUSA and Direct Relief not only respond to times of great need around the entire world, but the groups have also provided comfort and help to the greater Santa Barbara County.
ShelterBox, founded in 2000, has given shelter and other essentials like blankets, cooking sets, and mosquito nets to more than two million people around the world. It has responded to over 300 disasters across 100 countries. Learn more about the organization at www.shelterboxusa.org.
Direct Relief, which is active across the United States and over 80 other countries, provides medical care, emergency equipment and other vital supplies to vulnerable populations.
Following the deadly Montecito mudslides in 2018, Direct Relief provided specialized vehicles and equipment used by emergency responders during the search-and-rescue effort. It also established a victims’ fund through which $1 million was distributed directly to impacted residents.
“I can’t say enough good things about the vital work these organizations do, in Montecito and other parts of the globe,” Rotary Club of Montecito President Tom Fisher said. “We are so pleased to be able to help support their work.”
“I’m grateful that our Club held a special fundraiser to support the people of Ukraine by providing them with direct humanitarian assistance relief through these two great organizations headquartered in the Santa Barbara area,” Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation President Kati Buehler said.
The Rotary Club of Montecito, founded in 1953, is comprised of business and professional leaders who give back to the community through fellowship and service.
The Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation was started in 1996 to award grants to community organizations serving the area. To date, the foundation has given over $50,000 to qualifying groups.
For more information or to join, go to www.montecitorotary.org.