The Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation has donated $10,500 each to two humanitarian relief organizations, ShelterBoxUSA and Direct Relief, that are offering direct medical and shelter supplies and support to Ukraine.
In addition to responding to times of need globally, ShelterBoxUSA and Direct Relief have also provided comfort and help to the greater Santa Barbara County area.
ShelterBox, founded in 2000, has given shelter and other essentials like blankets, cooking sets, and mosquito nets to more than two million people worldwide. It has responded to more than 300 disasters across 100 countries. Learn more at www.shelterboxusa.org.
Direct Relief, which is active across the U.S. and 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,” said Tom Fisher, Rotary Club of Montecito president. “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,” said Kati Buehler, president of the Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation.
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 foundation was started in 1996 to award grants to community organizations serving the area. To date, the foundation has given more than $50,000 to qualifying groups.
For more information or to join, visit www.montecitorotary.org.