President's Message March 2023
March 2023
Dear Rotarians.
Rotary International’s monthly theme for March is focused on Water and Sanitation.
However as per my message in March 2022 the situation in Thailand is as follows.
As of 2017, Thailand has already taken steps towards achieving a number of Social Development Goals 6 (SDG6) indicators. 98% of the population of Thailand has access to “improved drinking water” and 93% has access to improved sanitation. In line with this, the Thai Government’s 2017 Voluntary National Review (VNR) reported that “almost 100% of households have access to safe and affordable drinking water, as well as sanitation facilities.” Additionally, Thailand has been able to reduce infant mortality rates and reduce water-borne diseases as a result of policies which require all levels of government to provide clean water and sanitation in their jurisdictions, and to reach a level of quality in line with national standards for drinking water quality.
Therefore, I will use this month to focus on what RI is doing to support the continued disaster in Turkey following a number of serious earthquakes.
At our lunch time meeting on the 14th February the attending members agreed to support the Rotary District 3330 fund to help the people of Turkey. The board agreed to donate 10,000 Thai Baht to this fund, which has been done. The district has now closed this fund as of the end of February. Funds raised would be sent to Rotary Clubs in Turkey who are located in the areas the disaster occurred.
However; Rotary International has posted the following information on my rotary.
Turkey and Syria were struck by a devastating earthquake on 6 February that has killed tens of thousands of people, destroyed thousands of homes and other structures, and left people across the region without shelter in bitterly cold winter weather.
The Rotary world responded to this catastrophe immediately. RI President Jennifer Jones activated our disaster response efforts, communicated with the affected districts, and encouraged governors in those regions to apply for disaster response grants and share information about their relief efforts so that Rotary can amplify the calls for support.
The Rotary Foundation Trustees decided that all donations made, from now until 31 March, to the Turkey/Syria Disaster Response Fund will be used to aid earthquake relief projects through disaster response grants.
Here's how to have the greatest impact:
- Give to Turkey/Syria Disaster Response Fund. Donations help clubs and districts provide aid and support rebuilding efforts where the need is greatest. The funds are distributed to affected communities through disaster response grants.
- Support local initiatives. As we learn about local response efforts that are being led by clubs and districts, Rotary raises awareness about how to support them. People can then support these projects by working directly with Rotary members in the region. Contact us to share information about local response efforts.
Rotary's project partner ShelterBox’s team is in Turkey, collaborating closely with Rotary district leaders to respond to provide people affected by the earthquake with tents and essential aid items they need. Visit ShelterBox’s website for the most current updates on how we are collaborating to respond.
Yours in Rotary.
Phil Lawrence
Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin.
