Rotary clubs worldwide have united to support the Ukrainian people, with the Rotary Club of Boerne and the Rotary Club of San Antonio distinguishing themselves as early contributors to humanitarian operations following the outbreak of war in February 2022.
Recently, Boerne’s club joined an international coalition of Rotary clubs dedicated to providing humanitarian aid, medical equipment, ambulances and civilian extraction vehicles.
This network of Rotarians is capable of purchasing and delivering lifesaving supplies and vehicles to the front lines within days of acquisition.
In August, the Rotary Club of Boerne immediately responded when a refugee extraction vehicle struck a land mine Aug. 12 and was destroyed. Although the passengers survived, they sustained injuries.
This was part of a fleet of vehicles supplied by an international network of Rotary clubs and manned by civilian volunteers risking their lives to rescue Ukrainian civilians trapped in conflict zones.
J.C. Clapsaddle, of the Rotary Club of San Antonio, serves as the U.S.-based mission coordinator for Humanitarian Aid Convoys. He works with Tony Preston, a member of Rotary Club Ukraine Unity in England, as mission leader. Preston coordinates a network of Rotarians who purchase used ambulances and 4x4 vehicles in the U.K., load them with medical supplies and convoy them across Europe to Ukraine.
Within 24 hours the Rotary Club of Boerne, through its Foundation, supplied the funds to purchase a vehicle.
“Boerne joining our coalition when they did was a magnificent stroke of luck,” Clapsaddle said. “We’re set to roll a 10-vehicle convoy in early September, and it’s crucial that all 10 make it to Ukraine on time. We needed to replace the destroyed vehicle quickly or leave a medical unit in desperate need without a vehicle.
“This was critical support because, every day these vehicles are in action, they save lives,” he added.
Comment
Comments