Stories


2024 Update on Ukraine Support for Children Posted on Feb 09, 2024 Help Provide Psychological Rehabilitation for Children in Ukraine. Update on Ukraine - February 2024 Daily, more and more Ukrainian children are traumatized by war, waking up from explosions and gunshots. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine creates immense difficulty and suffering, so we must unite to help those who need it most. Children are more vulnerable to the psychological trauma of war and need help to work through their grief. Schools became targets and many have been destroyed or damaged by heavy artillery. Disaster Aid Canada supports the Rotary Club of Khariv Victory projects focused on Psychological Rehabilitation for Children in Ukraine. These humanitarian programs include access to specialists, education, rest, new friendships, and more support for kids affected by this ongoing war. These centers of rehabilitation are for children who have lost one or both parents and will help over 600 children. They are in response to multiple requests from our previously supported shelters for Internally Displaced People (IDPs). Your help is greatly appreciated, please donate what you can to support these projects. Donate Read more... Disaster Aid Evacuation Ukraine children humanitarian aid refugees rehabilitation	2024 Update on Ukraine Support for Children	Sabrina Morgan	2024-02-09 08:00:00Z	Disaster Aid,Evacuation,Ukraine,children,humanitarian aid,refugees,rehabilitation
Update on Maui Wildfire Relief Posted on Oct 30, 2023 UPDATE October 2023: The aftermath of the summer wildfires in Lahaina and upcountry Maui will be felt for a long time. Our project partner, Disaster Aid USA, deployed their Lead DART director to Maui to assess projects for support. His report shared so much continued need in the area and our teams are getting to work to put your donation funds into the hands of those that need it most. The people there are in need of all the love and help they can get because this is a long-term problem. The first of the supported projects is to help a local service group fill in the gaps where government agencies aren’t by providing school supplies and temporary schools to kids affected by the fire. They provide community events to lift the kids' spirits such as family movie nights and they will be hosting a Thanksgiving celebration. Kids are some of the most emotionally hard hit by the realities of the fire. Money donated will continue to support much-needed school support as well as councilors to assist folks with mental health issues. Another supported project is focusing on providing financial assistance to those who have lost jobs and homes in the fire, so far they have provided assistance to 900 families. In addition, they have been operating a food bank that is providing not only food but other necessities. Most of the people they are serving are either not insured or underinsured and are having difficulty getting assistance to clear debris from their property. The next step is for Disaster Aid USA to provide a Disaster Aid trailer to help with debris removal and tool access and to help coordinate more volunteers to clean up. We will continue to provide updates on the work your support is funding in Maui. Thank you for all that you help us do. Please continue to support these people as they rebuild. PLEASE DONATE so we can help those in need with vital aid and resources. Read more... DAC Disaster Aid Canada Disaster Aid USA Evacuation Hawaii Lahaina Maui wildfires	Update on Maui Wildfire Relief	Sabrina Morgan	2023-10-30 07:00:00Z	DAC,Disaster Aid Canada,Disaster Aid USA,Evacuation,Hawaii,Lahaina,Maui,wildfires
Morocco Earthquake Recovery Appeal Posted on Sep 15, 2023 The Earthquake in Morocco on September 8th, 2023 was unlike any seen in the region in over a century. Rarely are earthquakes and aftershocks of this magnitude seen in Morocco and the impact was immense. Thousands were lost, killed, trapped, injured, and left homeless, over 300,000 people affected. Providing assistance in the area has been limited in the days following the disaster. Disaster Aid Canada has been in touch with our Disaster Aid International partners to ensure the aid we are able to provide will get to those who need it most. We have partnered with Disaster Aid UK & Ireland, as we did in response to the Turkey Earthquake earlier this year. Our efforts will be focused on future re-building efforts and any additional relief we can help provide. We will continue to update our supporters on the impact your donations make on the people of Morocco. Please donate today. Thank you. Read more... DAC Disaster Aid Canada Evacuation earthquake emergency response	Morocco Earthquake Recovery Appeal	Sabrina Morgan	2023-09-15 07:00:00Z	DAC,Disaster Aid Canada,Evacuation,earthquake,emergency response
Maui Wildfire Support Posted on Aug 15, 2023 Disaster Aid Canada has been in touch with our partners in Maui and with Disaster Aid USA in order to assess the situation and the up-to-date needs of those directly affected by the fires. The needs of the region of Lahaina are such that getting aid to the people is challenging and that's why we rely on our qualified contacts at Disaster Aid USA, trained in SmartAid disaster relief to be able to relay the needs our way. The death toll is now over 100 as the fires continue to grow. State Representative Troy Hashimoto has been quoted as emphasizing the importance of donations to Maui and how it's a "marathon and not a sprint. The recovery time will be quite long and; for those of you who’ve not donated yet, there’s still time.” Our hearts go out to the people of Maui who have lost their homes, loved ones, friends, and family. PLEASE DONATE so we can help those in need with vital aid and resources. Read more... DAC Disaster Aid Canada Evacuation Hawaii Lahaina Maui wildfires	Maui Wildfire Support	Sabrina Morgan	2023-08-15 07:00:00Z	DAC,Disaster Aid Canada,Evacuation,Hawaii,Lahaina,Maui,wildfires
BC Wildfire Support 2023 Posted on Jul 01, 2023 UPDATE AUGUST 18, 2023: In the last 48 hours, fires have sent thousands of BC residents under evacuation orders and out of their homes and businesses. The combination of extreme drought conditions, gusting winds, and incoming lightning storms could still bring about the worst. The heat wave over BC created dry conditions that helped the fires spread fast and unpredictably. The public is urged to monitor the BC Wildfire updates closely and be prepared. If there's ever a time to have an evacuation plan for your family, it's now. To support BC Residents affected by Wildfires please DONATE. Read more updates in our Stories. Read more... DAC Disaster Aid Canada Evacuation Fire Emergency bc fire wildfires	BC Wildfire Support 2023	Sabrina Morgan	2023-07-01 07:00:00Z	DAC,Disaster Aid Canada,Evacuation,Fire Emergency,bc,fire,wildfires
Alberta Wildfire Emergency Support 2023 Posted on May 08, 2023 Over 30,000 Alberta residents have been evacuated as devastating fires spread uncontrollably across Southern and Northern Alberta. Dry conditions, winds, and extreme heat in the forecast expect to fuel the wildfires over the coming days. As of this post, 89 wildfires continue to burn across Alberta. The wildfires continue to damage major infrastructure and homes, forcing some evacuees to the realization that their homes may not have survived the fires. Read more... DAC Disaster Aid Canada Evacuation Fire Emergency alberta fire wildfires	Alberta Wildfire Emergency Support 2023	Sabrina Morgan	2023-05-08 07:00:00Z	DAC,Disaster Aid Canada,Evacuation,Fire Emergency,alberta,fire,wildfires
Nigeria Floods Posted on Feb 15, 2023 Flood Relief for Nigeria Since last fall, severe floods in Nigeria have caused the deaths of over 600 people and displaced 1.3 million from their homes. The region has experienced the most devastating episode of seasonal floods in a decade. Our Rotary Club partners in the affected Niger Delta region of Nigeria and Alberta, Canada, have joined together to send help for the ongoing effects of these unprecedented floods. We will keep our donors updated as we hear more from our contacts in and near the area. Thank you for your support. Every donation makes a difference, consider a donation today. Click here to DONATE Read more... DAC Disaster Aid Evacuation Flooding Nigeria emergency response humanitarian aid	Nigeria Floods	Sabrina Morgan	2023-02-15 08:00:00Z	DAC,Disaster Aid,Evacuation,Flooding,Nigeria,emergency response,humanitarian aid
Türkiye & Syria Earthquake Appeal Türkiye & Syria Earthquake Appeal Update Feb 15: The losses are unimaginable as we continue to hear back from teams in Turkey and Syria. The reported much-needed items are warm clothing, blankets, and hygiene products. Our partners Disaster Aid Europe have purchased items and delivered them to the Turkish Embassy in Prague. The first cargo plane of goods went out last Thursday and another on Saturday. They will continue to take items there and more when funds are received to make purchases. Thank you for your ongoing support. Read more...	Türkiye & Syria Earthquake Appeal	Sabrina Morgan	2023-02-06 08:00:00Z
Update on Ukraine Posted on Jan 16, 2023 Help Provide Generators to Ukrainians Ukraine's humanitarian crisis that began almost a year ago continues to wreak havoc on the region. The need for support is ongoing. We are updating our supporters this January 2023 to inform you of a new fundraising focus to support the victims of the Russian attack on Ukraine's electrical infrastructure. Last year, thanks to your generosity, Disaster Aid Canada AC was able to send 50 Family Survival tents and 300 water purification units to Ukraine. Now, as the invasion there progresses, there are millions of people who are currently without power and are facing harsh winter conditions without heat or light. Imagine your home going without power for a few hours; or maybe for a couple of days. Some of these people have had no power for MONTHS. Their situation is becoming more dire by the day. Our next goal is to raise enough money to purchase 25 gas-powered electrical generators for distribution in Ukraine. These generators will provide a vital source of energy, allowing people to heat and light their rooms. In order to reduce shipping costs, the generators will be purchased in Europe. Reliable, well-established shipping and distribution contacts will allow us to deliver the generators directly to those in need. Our Disaster Aid International partners in Prague, DA Europe, will coordinate the delivery to a Rotary Club in Ukraine for local distribution. Your support is vital in helping us provide essential aid to those affected by this disaster. Please consider making a donation today to help bring warmth and light to those suffering in the dark. We are deeply thankful for your continued support, and we urge you to give as generously as you can. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this crisis. Many thanks to those that continue to donate to this appeal. Please Donate. Read more... Disaster Aid Evacuation Ukraine humanitarian aid power shortage refugees	Update on Ukraine	Sabrina Morgan	2023-01-16 08:00:00Z	Disaster Aid,Evacuation,Ukraine,humanitarian aid,power shortage,refugees
Hurricane Fiona Support Posted on Sep 25, 2022 Hurricane Fiona Support in Canada Hurricane Fiona hit Atlantic Canada and the Caribbean days ago and we're gathering support for those communities affected. After battering Bermuda with heavy rain, strong winds, and massive waves, Hurricane Fiona took aim at northeastern Canada, one of the strongest storms on record for the region. Fiona, a Category 4 hurricane, ripped through northeastern Canada, producing significant coastal flooding and damaging hurricane-force wind gusts and dangerous storm surges. They continue to deal with widespread power outages. Disaster Aid Canada is in touch with our Rotary contacts in the area to provide support to those most in need. We will continue to update our donors as we get more details on the relief efforts in the area. Thank you for your donation support for Atlantic Canada. Please click here to donate. Read more... Atlantic Canada DAC Disaster Aid Evacuation Hurricane Fiona Nova Scotia emergency response humanitarian aid	Hurricane Fiona Support	Sabrina Morgan	2022-09-25 07:00:00Z	Atlantic Canada,DAC,Disaster Aid,Evacuation,Hurricane Fiona,Nova Scotia,emergency response,humanitarian aid
Flood Relief for Pakistan Posted on Aug 31, 2022 Help Provide Flood Relief for Pakistan Heavy monsoon rains have caused devastating floods in Pakistan, affecting 33 million people and causing hundreds of thousands to be displaced from their homes. Disaster Aid Canada is reaching out to our network of supporters to gather humanitarian aid and send help to those who need it most. We are working with Disaster Aid USA to get much-needed support to the area. With flooding lasting since June, the area has not been able to recover, and now the threat of disease and famine will affect thousands more lives. Major roads, buildings, and infrastructure has been taken out by flash floods. Those that have escaped to dry land will still have the challenge of accessing clean drinking water, food, and shelter. We must scale up our aid and provide urgent support for Pakistan. We will keep our donors updated as we hear more from our contacts in and near the area. Thank you for your support. Please click here to donate. Read more... DAC Disaster Aid Evacuation Flooding clean water emergency response humanitarian aid monsoon pakistan	Flood Relief for Pakistan	Sabrina Morgan	2022-08-31 07:00:00Z	DAC,Disaster Aid,Evacuation,Flooding,clean water,emergency response,humanitarian aid,monsoon,pakistan
Ukraine Humanitarian Aid Posted on Feb 28, 2022 Help Provide Urgent Aid to Ukrainians. Campaign Updates - Read More The crisis that is unfolding in Ukraine has escalated and has already shown the world that major humanitarian aid is needed in the region. The survivors are fleeing their homes, over 1.5 million people, some heading to friends and family across Europe, and some entering refugee camps. The need for support is both immediate and ongoing. The escalation is happening so quickly that we have launched our appeal to support our ties in Europe and will keep our supporters informed as moves are made to aid those affected. Read more... DAC Disaster Aid Evacuation Ukraine clean water emergency response humanitarian aid refugees	Ukraine Humanitarian Aid	Sabrina Morgan	2022-02-28 08:00:00Z	DAC,Disaster Aid,Evacuation,Ukraine,clean water,emergency response,humanitarian aid,refugees
Update on BC Storms BC Storms Emergency Support Update January 2022: Disaster Aid Canada continues to provide aid to those that are still feeling the effects of last fall's devastating storm in BC. Your support has helped the people of the Tri-City area, the Interior, and Vancouver Island after the storm and floods displaced thousands of residents from their homes. Contacts have been made in areas such as Merritt, Princeton, Kamloops, and Richmond and we continue to add communities. The raised funds continue to support Rotary groups such as the Rotary Club of Merritt and the Rotary Club of Steveston-Richmond, in cooperation with local community associations, to support the people directly affected by these floods, those most vulnerable to the devastation. We are in direct contact with them as they find ways to support people who have not received government funding, are not eligible for insurance claims, or just need help in the interim. We are so appreciative of the funds donated so far for the Wildfire and Storm victims in British Columbia. Your donations have helped address the gaps in immediate emergency services and in the interim services for those who lost their homes. Through the support of gift card donations, supporting local food banks, replacing computers, and providing PPE equipment, we have helped those impacted by storms and wildfires in 2021 and are now developing plans to help with temporary structures as winter impacts the communities. The rebuilding phase in these areas will take some time and funds will be critical once the weather improves in the spring. Disaster Aid Canada will continue to support these communities hit hardest by these storms. PLEASE DONATE Read more...	Update on BC Storms	Sabrina Morgan	2022-01-15 08:00:00Z
Update from BC Wildfires BC Wildfire Update January 2022: Disaster Aid Canada continues to provide aid to those that are still feeling the effects of last summer's devastating fire season in BC. Across BC, 32,882 people were displaced due to the fires. The raised funds have been going to support the Rotary BC Wildfire Relief Team. This collaboration is a centralized project to enable the collection of donations to assist the affected regions to directly support people affected by the wildfires. Evacuees have received Gift Cards for food, supplies, and fuel. Many of the evacuees from the town of Lytton were hit a second time, as they had relocated to Merritt and were hit by floods this fall. While Lytton hasn't been re-built, it is still very much active in the surrounding area and looking forward to eventually rebuilding the community. DAC is supporting the local volunteer fire department by helping to replace their safety equipment. The Firehall and all the equipment inside were lost in the fire. We are providing funds for SCBA gear for the fighters. They protect Lytton and the surrounding areas, including 5 indigenous communities. We will be focused on the rebuilding phase next and that will be lengthy. Funds will be critical once the weather improves in the spring. To support the rebuilding efforts in BC's Interior please consider donating to the BC Wildfire Support Fund. PLEASE DONATE Read more...	Update from BC Wildfires	Sabrina Morgan	2022-01-14 08:00:00Z
Typhoon Odette (Rai) Support - Philippines Posted on Jan 01, 2022 The Island of Dinagat was hit by a historical Typhoon Typhoon Odette (Rai) made its first landfalls in the Philippines and hit the island of Dinagat. The Island, a province known for its pristine beaches, is home to over 128,000 people. With over 375 dead and many more missing this has been one of the worst typhoons to hit the Philippines. Information from the Dinagat Islands has been extremely limited as a result of the crippled power and telecommunication lines. What we do know is thousands of homes have been flattened. Disaster Aid International partners Disaster Aid Malaysia and Disaster Aid Australia have direct contacts, Balay Mindanaw, in the region. Those partners have traveled to the island with SkyHydrants to provide urgently needed safe drinking water. To date, they have 7 SkyHydrants ready to ship to communities in Cebu City, Siargao, and Northern Bohol, supported by the Rotary Club of Pasig. These will be shipped as soon as air freight space can be found. They will also be assessing how they can deliver further assistance over the coming days with our support. (reference Disaster Aid Australia - Brian Ashworth) If you would like to help Disaster Aid International’s response to help the people of Dinaget please donate. DAC Disaster Aid Evacuation Odette Philippines emergency response typhoon	Typhoon Odette (Rai) Support - Philippines	Sabrina Morgan	2022-01-01 08:00:00Z	DAC,Disaster Aid,Evacuation,Odette,Philippines,emergency response,typhoon
BC Storm Emergency Support Posted on Nov 16, 2021 BC Was Hit With a Devastating Storm Help Support BC residents affected by the devastating storm and floods that hit the province on November 14-15th, 2021. Read more... DAC Disaster Aid Evacuation Flooding bc emergency response	BC Storm Emergency Support	Sabrina Morgan	2021-11-16 08:00:00Z	DAC,Disaster Aid,Evacuation,Flooding,bc,emergency response
Rio Blanco Water System Reconstruction Project By Gerry Beltgens & Fernando Martinez In the fall and winter of 2020 many communities in Central America were devastated by multiple hurricanes, tropical storms, landslides and flooding. This on top of the horrors of the pandemic. Millions were affected, tens of thousands were displaced or worse. The water system for Rio Blanco was destroyed by flooding nearly a year ago. Every morning the women and children leave at 5:00am and walk 2 kilometers with wheelbarrows, buckets and plastic containers to get water. At the source they must wait for their turn to access the water with the other villagers. The men stay home to work in the coffee and bean fields or find work at neighbouring properties. There is only one vehicle in the town and it cannot negotiate the trail to the water. The Rotary Club of Comayagua met with the community to find a solution. Disaster Aid will raise $14,800 Canadian ($11,750 US) to rebuild the water system. We can start phase 1 as we have $7,700 donated by Disaster Aid Australia, DA Canada and RC Comox. Phase 1 is the reconstruction of the dam and the building of a sand filtration system. Phase 2 will include the installation of the main water pipe to the village. Click Here to Donate Read more... Drought Flooding Honduras Hurricanes Malnutrition Water	Rio Blanco Water System Reconstruction Project	Gerry Beltgens	2021-09-15 07:00:00Z	Drought,Flooding,Honduras,Hurricanes,Malnutrition,Water
Haiti Earthquake Emergency Support Haiti Was Hit by Another Catastrophic Earthquake! A 7.2 magnitude Earthquake hit Les Cayes, Haiti on August 15, 2021. The quake has claimed over 1,400 lives and injured thousands more. Haiti is still showing scars of the devastating earthquake in 2010 and the following major Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Most Haitians from Les Cayes that have lost their homes to this disaster have moved to a tent city at a stadium. Disaster Aid Canada is working with Rotary Groups and other organizations in the affected area to help place the support in the hands of those that need it. We are prepared to send shelter to those displaced from their homes. The evaluation of need is ongoing and Disaster Aid Canada will continue to update our donors as we receive reports from the region. We will update as the details of the programs come our way. Please donate what you can to help Haiti. - Please click here to DONATE Read more... DAC earthquake emergency response haiti	Haiti Earthquake Emergency Support	Sabrina Morgan	2021-08-15 07:00:00Z	DAC,earthquake,emergency response,haiti
BC Wildfires Emergency Support BC is on fire and declares a State of Emergency BC has declared a State of Emergency, with hundreds of fires burning in our province. Smokey skies, eerie sunsets, and low air quality have people concerned. There are severe wind warnings changing the current conditions rapidly and forcing more evacuation orders and alerts. Currently, 18,000 properties are either on alert or evacuation. Thousands of people have been evacuated, across multiple BC towns. Firefighters from across the world have arrived to help, and support is being brought in to help anyone affected by the fires. Disaster Aid Canada will be collaborating with Rotary groups and other organizations to bring support to people affected by wildfires. We will update as the details of the programs come our way. Please donate what you can to help BC Residents. - Please click here to DONATE BC Wildfire Update January 2022: Disaster Aid Canada continues to provide aid to those that are still feeling the effects of last summer's devastating fire season in BC. Across BC, 32,882 people were displaced due to the fires. The raised funds have been going to support the Rotary BC Wildfire Relief Team. This collaboration is a centralized project to enable the collection of donations to assist the affected regions to directly support people affected by the wildfires. Evacuees have received Gift Cards for food, supplies, and fuel. Many of the evacuees from the town of Lytton were hit a second time, as they had relocated to Merritt and were hit by floods this fall. While Lytton hasn't been re-built, it is still very much active in the surrounding area and looking forward to eventually rebuilding the community. DAC is supporting the local volunteer fire department by helping to replace their safety equipment. The Firehall and all the equipment inside were lost in the fire. We are providing funds for SCBA gear for the fighters. They protect Lytton and the surrounding areas, including 5 indigenous communities. We will be focused on the rebuilding phase next and that will be lengthy. Funds will be critical once the weather improves in the spring. To support the rebuilding efforts in BC's Interior please consider donating to the BC Wildfire Support Fund. PLEASE DONATE Read more... DAC bc wildfires emergency response wildfires	BC Wildfires Emergency Support	Sabrina Morgan	2021-07-22 07:00:00Z	DAC,bc wildfires,emergency response,wildfires
Oxygen for India It is like a War Zone in the Hospitals Disaster Aid Canada and DAUSA have partnered to raise funds for small oxygen generators ($550 each) to be delivered to the rural areas in India. We are working with Rotary clubs here in Canada, the USA and India. DAC, DAUSA, our DAI Partners in addition to the Rotary Clubs have close connections in India that will be distributing the generators to the Rural areas of India where oxygen supply is the worst. Read more...	Oxygen for India	Gerry Beltgens	2021-05-11 07:00:00Z
Nutritional Supplements for Severely Malnourished Children in Guatemala UPDATE - Nutritional Supplements for Severely Malnourished Children in Guatemala The first tranche of funding ($2,500.00) has been sent to the Rotary Club of Guatemala Vista Hermosa Satellite Uwara. They are picking up 2000 bags of the nutritional supplements from the manufacturer on May 29 and delivering them to our friends at Mayan Families. From there the supplements will be given weekly to 100 selected undernourished children as a special formulated food supplement. The families will be visited regulalry by two social workers. We want to thank the Rotary Club of Chemainus, Don Mercer, Jacqueline, Mealing, Virginia Hambly of Sidney, Disaster Aid Australia, Pat and Maggie from Ladysmith, and all of the others who are supporting this project. We could not do this without you! Gerry Beltgens and Jacqueline Mealing Rotary Clubs of Ladysmith and Chemainus have teamed up with Disaster Aid Canada and the Rotary Club Guatemala Vista Hermosa Satellite Uwara to address malnutrition in the Mayan Villages. Click HERE to donate You can provide 2 kilo of Nutritional Supplement that will provide the required Nutrition for a mother and child approximately $5.00 Can per month or $4.00 US. Over 60% of the children are severely undernourished. These Rotary Clubs have been working in Mayan villages for some time and are very aware of the decreasing height and weight of children under six. As a consequence many also suffer from respiratory infections and hunger. Read more...	Nutritional Supplements for Severely Malnourished Children in Guatemala	Gerry Beltgens	2021-04-26 07:00:00Z
DAC and Rotary Clubs Restore Water to Honduran Village Disaster Aid Partners with Rotary Clubs to Restore Water to Honduran Village Gerry Beltgens, April 2, 2021 “Solving problems as a team just gets more work done.” That is the inspiration behind the Disaster Aid Regional Collaborative. The DA Regional Collaborative or DARC for short, was formed in January 2021 to enable Disaster Aid Canada, Disaster Aid USA and Rotary Clubs in Guatemala and Honduras to work effectively on regional challenges. Our first project as a collaborative in Honduras is now reaching completion. Organized by Disaster Aid Canada but managed by the Rotary Club of Comayagua in Honduras and the Rotary Club of Comox in Canada, the project was spec'd and funded in record time. Fernando Martinez of Comayagua and Brian Mather of Comox had worked together on the original water Project for the Village of La Mata 12 years ago. La Mata has a population of 500 and access to clean water was now out of a creek 7 kilometers from town. Read more...	DAC and Rotary Clubs Restore Water to Honduran Village	Gerry Beltgens	2021-04-02 07:00:00Z
Update on Honduras and Guatemala Update on Honduras and Guatemala Developing a Path Forward - Disaster Aid Canada Forms Disaster Aid Regional Collaborative DAC partners with Disaster Aid USA and Guatemalan and Honduran Rotary Clubs For more details visit: https://disasteraid.ca/page/disaster-aid-regional-collaborative Disaster Aid Canada Progress Report on Guatemala and Honduras Gerry Beltgens, Executive Director Disaster Aid Canada - January 26, 2021 In the fall of 2020 Honduras and Guatemala were hit by named hurricanes Eta and Iota between November 4 and 17, 2020. The rain and wind was so severe that some homes were flooded up to four times in the space of a few weeks. 5.2 Million people were affected in Central America and the Caribbean. 1.5 million people were directly affected in Honduras and Guatemala. Read more...	Update on Honduras and Guatemala	Gerry Beltgens	2021-01-30 08:00:00Z
Hurricanes Eta and Iota devastate Central America Update: November 27 - Hurricane Eta/Iota Fundraising Gains Momentum across Canada Close to $8,500.00 has already been raised as Rotary Clubs and individuals pledge to support the Disaster Aid Canada Relief Project for Honduras and Guatemala. At the regular Club meeting of November 26, the Rotary Club of Ladysmith on Vancouver Island committed $2,500.00. In Newfoundland a Fundraiser organized by Honduran born Ingred Sierra-Quilty has already raised thousands. Ingrid knows first hand the challenges the people in Honduras face. Now compounded by the hurricanes and tropical storms that have flooded some areas 4 times in the past 2 months and the impact of Covid-19, her people are dealing with the loss of homes, food shortages and infections caused by the polluted waters. Once again the people who have the least are the ones most affected, with no jobs, income support or insurance. Click on "Read More" for the rest of the story To donate please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/54353 Read more...	Hurricanes Eta and Iota devastate Central America	Gerry Beltgens	2020-11-27 08:00:00Z
Maya Norte teams up with Disaster Aid Canada to support Flooded Schools in Melaque Maya Norte teams up with Disaster Aid Canada to support Flooded Schools in Melaque Flooding from Tropical Storm Hernan wreaked devastation in Melaque, Jaluco and surrounding areas on the Pacific side of Mexico. The owners of the local restaurant Maya Norte, have a special connection to Melaque. Anne Manning and Peg Montgomery owned and operated a restaurant in the area for 14 years and have family members that were born there. These days the owners and family live in Ladysmith but still have strong connections, friends and family in Melaque. Starting in October Maya Norte will have a specialty Melaque Cocktail and Tapas available. A portion of each sale will be donated to helping Melaque schools get back on their feet. The Rotary Club of Costalegre, in conjunction with support from Disaster Aid Canada and other Rotary Clubs, is helping people who have been affected by this disaster. Rotarians on the ground have been volunteering their time and donating to various community relief efforts. Disaster Aid Canada (a project of the Rotary Club of Ladysmith) has connections to the Rotary Club of Costalegre and will work with them to ensure that the donations reach those in the most need. Disaster Aid Canada held a Garage Sale on October 10 and raised close to $650 for current projects including $250.00 for Melaque. Luckily the rain held off for the morning after a torrential downpour during the night. The rain restarted after the sale so there was clearly divine support for the fundraiser! If you would like to donate to the Melaque fund please Click Here	Maya Norte teams up with Disaster Aid Canada to support Flooded Schools in Melaque	Gerry Beltgens	2020-10-21 07:00:00Z
Join the Disaster Aid Canada-Wide Garage Sale Join the Disaster Aid Canada-Wide Garage Sale - Clear out your old stuff and get a tax receipt! Disaster Aid Canada has been impacted by the Pandemic. As World Wide Crises have increased, donations to nonprofits have dropped off. Our reserves are being stretched and there is no reduction in the need for Disaster Relief. We needed to find a way for our supporters to continue to help without adding to their financial strain. Here is our idea: Read more...	Join the Disaster Aid Canada-Wide Garage Sale		2020-09-21 07:00:00Z
Beirut Explosion Relief Project and Appeal Beirut Explosion Relief Project and Appeal Beirut is facing a state of emergency after two explosions in the city’s port have killed more than 200 people and injured an estimated 5,000 people. Homes have been flattened and up to 300,000 people are now homeless according to Lebanon’s health minister. Disaster Aid International is working with Rotary World Helps, Rotary Clubs and other NGOs to ensure that help will go where it is most needed. Due to the uncertainty in the area, DAI will not release funds until accountability measures are in place. Disaster Aid Canada will work with Disaster Aid International to ensure we provide the best support for the people of Beirut. - From the Canada Helps website - AFP Photos Read more...	Beirut Explosion Relief Project and Appeal	Gerry Beltgens	2020-08-14 07:00:00Z
Fort McMurray Flood Recovery Project Fort McMurray Flood Recovery Project On April 26th, 2020, amidst a global pandemic, Fort McMurray was struck with a second state of emergency from a one in one hundred year flood that evacuated approximately 1200 buildings out of our downtown core and lower townsite. Individuals and families were evacuated out of apartment buildings by boat and forced to leave their homes, many of which attained significant damage of up to 6 feet of water. Most affected by this situation did not have sufficient insurance coverage for their losses and/or had crippling deductibles hindering use of any insurance. Disaster Aid Canada approached both the Rotary Club of Fort McMurray and the Rotary Club of Fort McMurray Oilsands to see how they might support any recovery efforts for these people. While both clubs were delighted for the support, the Rotary Club of Fort McMurray Oilsands had the capacity to administer the efforts. Read more...	Fort McMurray Flood Recovery Project	Gerry Beltgens	2020-07-03 07:00:00Z
Disaster Aid Canada Pivots to Online Club Presentations Disaster Aid Canada Pivots to Online Club Presentations June 21, 2020 Gerry Beltgens, the Executive Director of Disaster Aid Canada enjoys meeting with Rotary Clubs and Rotarians in person. In March of 2020 he was booked solid with 3 upcoming District Conferences, the International Conference in Hawaii and face to face presentations with another 6 Rotary Clubs. He was planning a trip to Ontario to meet with Clubs in the Greater Toronto Region in late April. That all came to a grinding halt when COVID-19 tore its way into public life. Read more...	Disaster Aid Canada Pivots to Online Club Presentations	Gerry Beltgens	2020-06-22 07:00:00Z
Rotary Club of Ladysmith Donates Emergency Preparedness Kits to the Town Rotary Club of Ladysmith Donates Emergency Preparedness Kits to the Town Sandra Milne, 2019/2020 Rotary Club of Ladysmith President and the LSS Interact Club presented 5 Emergency Preparedness Kits from Disaster Aid Canada to the Mayor Aaron Stone, Fire Chief Chris Geiger and Bill Drysdale from Ladysmith Search and Rescue. The event was held in front of the Fire Hall on Friday June 12. Disaster Aid Canada has recently moved its operations from Victoria to Ladysmith. Emergency supplies and tents will be stored in Ladysmith as it is an economical, central location with quick access to transportation, airport and ferries. There will be over 100 tents and materials for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief Kits stored in Ladysmith for international and domestic relief programs. Read more...	Rotary Club of Ladysmith Donates Emergency Preparedness Kits to the Town	Gerry Beltgens	2020-06-14 07:00:00Z
Food Aid for the Mayan Villagers in the Lake Atitlan area of Guatemala Please Help us Prevent Starvation by Providing Food and other Aid to the Mayan Villagers in the Lake Atitlan area of Guatemala UPDATE, July 7, 2020 - The Rotary Club of Poulsbo Washington has donated $2,880.00 Canadian funds to the Guatemalen Relief Program! UPDATE, June 16, 2020 - Disaster Aid Australia has signed on as a Collaborating Country Partner and have donated $4,500.00 towards the Guatemalan Relief Program! UPDATE, June 1, 2020 - Disaster Aid UK&I have signed on as a Collaborating Country Partner and have donated $3,500.00 towards the Guatemalan Relief Program! Donate now at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/49533 Most Mayans are marginal farmers or work at minimal wage for the 22 families that control 80% of the land in Guatemala. Key right now is Covid-19 induced unemployment and lock-down shelter-in-place. Many markets are closed and villagers are unable to shop for food. People are literally starving in their homes. All supplies to be locally sourced. The Mayan Women’s Groups in San Lucas Toliman and San Antonio Palopo know how and where to obtain and distribute supplies. The funds raised by this special appeal will be distributed by Disaster Aid Canada with the assistance of Canadian Rotary Clubs (Ladysmith, Chemainus, and Nanaimo) and the Mayan Women’s groups with whom the Rotary Clubs have collaborated for years in local projects. (Click Read More) Read more...	Food Aid for the Mayan Villagers in the Lake Atitlan area of Guatemala	Gerry Beltgens	2020-05-25 07:00:00Z
Fort McMurray Flooding Relief Fund Fort McMurray Flooding Relief Fund The Fort McMurray 2020 Flooding Relief Fund has now been set up. We are working with Rotary District 5370 and the two Rotary Clubs in Fort McMurray along with community organisations to ensure that relief funds are used in the community for victims of this disaster. Please Click Here to donate through our online portal at Canada Helps Come Hell or High Water - Fort McMurray is resilient! Fort McMurray has seen it's share of Disasters in the past 4 years. In 2016 they were devastated by the forest fires that destroyed 3,244 buildings and did cost 13.3 billion Canadian Dollars. The decline of the oil industry has been devastating on local jobs and businesses and the Corona Virus has closed more businesses and now the Athabasca has a 13 kilometre Ice dam that has inundated the city damaging 1,300 buildings and forcing the evacuation of more than 13,000 people. But you can help - Disaster Aid Canada is working with Rotary Clubs and Community Organisations to bring relief Read more...	Fort McMurray Flooding Relief Fund	Gerry Beltgens	2020-04-29 07:00:00Z
Rotary and Emergency Preparedness Disaster Aid Canada and the Rotary Club of Ladysmith Support Community Emergency Preparedness While it is hard to not go out, not to be able to visit or shop; there are still things you can do. How about helping your community prepare for the next Natural Disaster? Rotary Clubs and other organisations can help communities with their emergency preparedness programs. For Rotary Clubs it is often possible to access District Grants and Community Gaming Grants. Other organisations may be able to receive gaming grants or have access to other sources. If you are interested in working with Disaster Aid Canada to support Emergency Preparedness in your community you can reach us at info@disasteraid.ca. Click here to visit our Emergency Preparedness Page Read more...	Rotary and Emergency Preparedness	Gerry Beltgens	2020-03-25 07:00:00Z
Disaster Aid Canada Collects $60,000 for Australian Bush Fires Relief Disaster Aid Canada Collects $60,000.00 for Australian Bushfire Relief Gerry Beltgens, Executive Director, Disaster Aid Canada Read more...	Disaster Aid Canada Collects $60,000 for Australian Bush Fires Relief	Gerry Beltgens	2020-02-07 08:00:00Z
Puerto Rico Earthquakes Puerto Rico Has been hit by a swarm of earthquakes ranging from the 6.4 that did most of the damage on January 7, a 5.9 on January 11 and at least another 44 measuring over 4.00 on the scale. The aftershocks have made it difficult to provide support as bridges and roads are damaged or closed. Shelters are housing around 8,000 people and another 4,000 are in non-traditional shelters. We are working with Rotary Clubs on the Island to address the areas that are not getting the bulk of the international relief. To donate to this fund please Click the Button	Puerto Rico Earthquakes	Gerry Beltgens	2020-01-18 08:00:00Z
2020 Australian Bushfires Appeal Disaster Aid Canada is supporting Rotary Australia World Community Service. Donations made through Disaster Aid Canada by Canadians are tax deductible and we will be working with Disaster Aid International and Rotary clubs in Australia to ensure help is provided where it is most needed. Several projects have already been established for specific Bushfire areas around Australia. The Australia Rotary District Governors have formed a committee which will decide where the funds are to be distributed. We would typically utilize local Rotary Clubs on the ground in affected areas to identify those families, Individuals and small businesses in most need. Click here to donate: UPDATE: As of January 13, 2020 we have raised over $40,000.00 for the Bushfire Relief Fund! Read more...	2020 Australian Bushfires Appeal	Gerry Beltgens	2020-01-04 08:00:00Z
Donors Make Bahamas Support Possible Posted by Gerry Beltgens on Nov 12, 2019 Among all of the wonderful donors who have supported the relief efforts in the Bahamas there have also been several major gifts in of $1,000.00 and more from Major Donors. Along with anonymous donations of $2,500.00, $5,000.00 and $10,000.00 there were over a dozen donations of $1,000.00 including the Mark Isfeld Interact Club of Courtney B.C. Some other donations that stand out are a donation of $2,500.00 from Mr. and Mrs. Graham Cooke of West Vancouver, a donation of $3,000.00 from the Rotary Club of Parksville, a Donation of $7,400.00 from the 4 Rotary Clubs of Richmond B.C. and a donation of $2,200.00 from the Rotary Club of Ladysmith B.C. I would like to thank all of the people who made such generous donations no matter how large the amount. Your donations have made the lives of the victims of Hurricane Dorian a little more tolerable in a challenging time. Gerry Beltgens, Executive Director Disaster Aid Canada	Donors Make Bahamas Support Possible	Gerry Beltgens	2019-11-12 08:00:00Z
Interact Club donates $1,000.00 to help with Bahamas Relief Posted by Debra Long on Oct 22, 2019 Courtney Interact Club donates $1,000.00 to help with Bahamas Relief Email provided by School Counsellor Debra Long I thought I would include the mission statement of our Interact Club. "The Mark Isfeld Interact Club empowers youth to create change within our local and global communities. We are dedicate to improving educational opportunities and the well-being of young people. We put the act in Interact." Read more...	Interact Club donates $1,000.00 to help with Bahamas Relief	Debra Long	2019-10-22 07:00:00Z
DA Australia - Multiple Earthquakes Shake Mindanao Posted on Oct 22, 2019 Multiple Earthquakes Shake Mindanao - October 21, 2019 A 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake hit the Southern Philippine Island of Mindanao on the evening of the 16th October. Several severe aftershocks and hundreds of smaller shocks have also shaken the island over the following days. The epicenter was between Makilala and Tulunan, North Cotabato. In the surrounding area thousands of families have had to be evacuated from damaged and destroyed homes. Hospitals, schools and other public building have also been severely damaged. Disaster Aid Australia is providing financial support to our local partner, the Balay Mindanao Peace Foundation as they work to help families whose homes have been lost, or severely damaged. Disaster Aid Canada is in contact with DA Australia to see if we can help. Donations can be made through Disaster Aid Australia - https://www.disasteraidaustralia.org.au/donate/ and specify Mindanao	DA Australia - Multiple Earthquakes Shake Mindanao		2019-10-22 07:00:00Z
Disaster Aid Canada and the 2019 Bahamas Relief Effort Posted by Gerry Beltgens on Oct 21, 2019 Disaster Aid Canada and the 2019 Bahamas Relief Effort When the call came from the Bahamas to send aid, Disaster Aid Canada sent 101 tents, 300 bed packs and over 15,000 hygiene items, virtually clearing out our inventory. To stay ahead of the next disaster we need to restock supplies. Money raised now pays to replace the inventory that was sent to the Bahamas and helps prepare us for the next emergency. Read more...	Disaster Aid Canada and the 2019 Bahamas Relief Effort	Gerry Beltgens	2019-10-21 07:00:00Z
DAI - Collaborative Organization of Rotary International Posted on Oct 16, 2019 15th October 2019 For Immediate Release Disaster Aid International (DAI) is Now an Official Collaborative Organization of Rotary International Today we are proud to announce DAI has achieved official Collaborative Organization status with Rotary International marking a major milestone in the journey of Disaster Aid International country partners around the world. (https://www.rotary.org/en/collaborating-organizations) Read more...	DAI - Collaborative Organization of Rotary International	Gerry Beltgens	2019-10-16 07:00:00Z
Important Announcement - Transition We are happy to announce that Disaster Aid Canada (DAC) and Soap for Hope (SfH) have been so successful that they have become two non-profits instead of one. The decision was made to align the mission, vision, and purpose of both these programs. Read more...	Important Announcement - Transition	Gerry Beltgens	2019-10-03 07:00:00Z
Disaster Aid Canada - About Us Posted on Sep 07, 2019 Our Mission To provide on a worldwide basis, humanitarian relief and aid in the form of equipment and materials that provide shelter, warmth and comfort to people displaced by natural or other disasters Read more...	Disaster Aid Canada - About Us		2019-09-07 07:00:00Z
India celebrates three years without polio Throughout India and around the world, Rotary clubs are celebrating a major milestone: India has gone three years without a new case of polio. The last reported case was a two-year-old girl in West Bengal on 13 January 2011. To mark this historic triumph, Rotary clubs illuminated landmarks and iconic structures throughout the country with four simple but powerful words, "India is polio free." The three-year achievement sets the stage for polio-free certification of the entire Southeast Asia region by the World Health Organization. The Indian government also plans to convene a polio summit in February to commemorate this victory in the global effort to eradicate polio. Read more...	India celebrates three years without polio		2016-08-05 00:00:00Z
Helping people with disabilities make their own music Music has been an important part of leading an ordinary life for students at the Music School for Children With Disabilities in Honor of Paul Harris in Lublin, Poland. Founded by Rotary members, the school serves 20 students with various disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and visual impairments. The Rotary Club of Lublin-Centrum-Maria Curie-Sklodowska has provided funding with help from Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and the Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society, which houses the school. After their son Mateusz was born with underdeveloped eyes, Mariusz and Joanna Kania looked for ways to help him be active. When he showed an aptitude for music, they looked for a teacher and were thrilled to find the Paul Harris music school. Read more...	Helping people with disabilities make their own music		2016-08-05 00:00:00Z