It was our honour to have Gerry A. Beltgens, Executive Director of Disaster Aid Canada (DAC) and member of the Rotary Club of Ladysmith gave us a presentation about DAC and how the donations of $7,400 from the four Rotary Clubs in Richmond contributed to the Bahamas Relief last year.

 

DAC is a registered Canadian charity founded by members of the Rotary Club of Ladysmith, BC of Rotary District 5020.  It is the Disaster Aid partner of Disaster Aid International (DAI); other partners include Australia, USA and the UK & Ireland.  DIA’s mission is to provide relief and help rebuild communities in disaster hit areas anywhere in the world, primarily in the form of temporary shelter, home repair kits and water filtration systems or other non-food aid.

 

DAI’s recent collaboration with Rotary International enables DAI to coordinate and access areas after a disaster by utilizing the best of local knowledge and resources to assess the situation on-the-ground and customize the ‘Smartaid’ response. (collaborating organizations) 

 

DAC’s recent projects include 2019 Bahamas Relief and the current Australian Fires Fund.

 

There was a great turn out at the lunch meeting.  We loved to catch up with Assistant Governor Wayne Connorton, Elena Agala (Richmond Sunrise), Risk Duff and Scott Campbell (both from Steveston Club).

 

Gerry A. Beltgens invited us to support the Rotary Dream Vacation Raffle for Cowichan Hospice Society.  Rick Duff and Elena Agala also reminded us about their club’s upcoming annual fundraisers.