While the Australian bushfires were being put out, Rotary clubs in Vermont and New Hampshire were gathering funds to help with the aftermath. This has resulted in close to $25,000 being donated to the effort.
According to Rotary District Governor Nancy Russell, there are 60 Rotary Clubs in District 7870. Russell said, “We saw homes destroyed, animals injured, children sheltering, and forests in flames and we knew we had to act.”
Russell continued, "We reached out to Australian Rotary and began working with Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) that had established the Rotary National Bushfires Appeal.”
“In Australia, Rotary is a “second response” organization that moves in after the first response phase is complete,” said Mike Whitehouse, RAWCS treasurer, "This includes replacement of infrastructures such as community halls and other facilities, as well as reconstruction of farming fences and sheds.”
Whitehouse added, “Volunteer teams of Rotarians are involved in this hands-on approach.”
Locally, the Rotary Club of Bellows Falls contributed $250 to the effort.