Horn of Africa Relief Fund

Posted by Robert Moffatt 
on Sep 2, 2011
 
 
 A new fund has just been established.
 
 
Colleagues,
 
This afternoon I received word from TRF Chair Bill Boyd regarding his decision on behalf of the Trustees to establish the Rotary Horn of Africa Famine and Refugee Relief Fund, effective immediately.  The fund will collect cash and DDF donations to be used by a local Rotarian led international committee to fund projects and activities related to the disaster.  It is recognized that the fund will not be able to accept online cash contributions at this time due to the fact that the Rotary Japan 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund account is still open. 
 
The terms of the Rotary Horn of Africa Famine and Refugee Relief Fund are as follows, according to the ballot approved by TRF Chair Boyd:
 
  • Agree that TRF immediately establish a relief fund as a means by which donors can make donations to address the famine and refugee crisis currently happening in the Horn of Africa.  This fund will be in addition to the relief account established by RI District 9200 for similar purposes.
  • Agree that this fund will be referred to as the Rotary Horn of Africa Famine and Refugee Relief Fund
  • Agree that this fund will be open to collect DDF and restricted contributions through 30 June 2012.
  • Agree that similar to other recently established TRF disaster recovery funds, restricted contributions to this relief fund are entitled to receive Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
  • Due to the nature and scope of the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa, agree that a committee – to be chaired by and the membership proposed by RI Director Sam Owori -- will administer the distribution of the funds received by the relief fund similar to the arrangement TRF has established for the Rotary Japan 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund. (acceptance of this committee chair appointment still pending, so please do not cite Director Owori's name in any communication at this time and until further notice)
  • Agree that the relief committee should strive to disburse all monies received by the relief fund in as expeditious and effective manner as possible, ideally in regular installments from TRF with the goal for the entire fund to be exhausted no later than 31 December 2012.
  • Request the General Secretary to implement these decisions immediately and work with the RI President in appointing RI Director Sam Owori as chair of the relief committee and confirming the membership, roles, responsibilities, and process for the committee in working with TRF in distributing and reporting on the disbursements from the relief fund.
  • Agree that the fund can support relief projects and activities in the region that do not necessarily meet the regular TRF Code of Policies governing the terms and conditions of grants types such as Matching Grants, District Simplified Grant, Global Grants, and District Grants.