Most people have heard of Rotary, but few really know what Rotary does. While we often see the work of our local clubs, the global impact of Rotary shouldn’t be such a wellkept secret.
In the wake of the recent fire disaster in Southern California, Rotary stepped up. Within hours, District Governor Chris Skorina of Rotary District 5320–which spans all of Orange County and Southern LA County–was on the phone with clubs in the affected areas to determine how OC members could help.
A plan was formed, and Rotary clubs across District 5320, including our own Fountain Valley club, got to work. Greg Owen, a past district governor who owns a trucking company, volunteered the use of a 53-foot semi that was parked at the District Office in Orange.
At our January meeting, the Fountain Valley Rotary Club raised $5,700–partly from our charitable fund and partly from individual member donations. An order was placed with Sam’s Club to purchase five pallets of supplies.
Between Jan. 16 and 19, Rotary clubs from throughout Orange County gathered at the district office in Orange to drop off requested items. These included non-perishable food, pet food, blankets, pillows, toiletries, diapers, baby wipes and bottled water.
Volunteers packed the truck, and a few days later it was delivered to the Boys and Girls Club in Monterey Park, which served as a distribution hub. In total, Rotary District 5320 donated more than $250,000 in goods and monetary contributions to support the Fire Relief Effort. In the months ahead, more projects are planned to continue this support.
Rotary is always looking for new members and is growing worldwide. If you want to get involved, Rotary would love to have you. For more information, contact Fountain Valley Rotary Membership Chair, Mark Bryant at 949-943-4492.