PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE ROTARY
LA WILDFIRE
Emergency Response Notice
January 9, 2025
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Hello Team Playa Venice Sunrise:
There is no way I can possibly comprehend the devastation so many of our neighbors, family and friends have been experiencing over the past few days. The loss of homes, businesses, local schools, and lives has been overwhelming.
Los Angeles has been hit extremely hard with a fire storm unlike anything we have ever witnessed. There has already been so much destruction and countless lives have been forever changed. The fires are still burning and we are all doing our best to comprehend what is unfolding around us. There is much fear and uncertainty and many are asking how we can help.
There are several evacuation centers that are seeking donations as well as collection centers that have been set up within our community such as the Stephanie Younger Group, Westchester Elks, and The Knights of Columbus. Stephanie Younger is working directly with Councilperson Traci Park who is in communication with the evacuation centers.
For more information and details please see our Facebook Member to Member page. Additionally, District Governor Albert has set up a Disaster Relief Fund as well as a Resource Directory where clubs can coordinate efforts and Volunteer opportunities through the attached links.
https://rotary5280.org/page/2025-wildfire-disaster-relief/
We have been in contact with our local fire stations, 5 and 63,
to offer our help and will know more about how we can support our brave firefighters and first responders in the coming weeks. Regarding direct donations, we have been told by several sources that aside from water, the greatest needs are towels and blankets. So, our club purchased new towels, washcloths, and blankets as well as some drawstring backpacks using funds from our disaster fund budget and we will be donating these items this weekend. We will continue to work with District and community leaders to coordinate additional support.
At our Club meeting, Bobbie mentioned that she will be collecting baby clothes and other baby items to help a friend with a young child who has just suffered a total loss. We have also been told that new or very slightly used shoes are greatly needed.
If you or someone you know has suffered a loss, please know that we are here to help, however we can. The crisis has been shifting quickly presenting new threats every day. Please stay safe and let us know what we can do to support you. We have several members that have offered spare rooms should you need a place to stay.
We are a loving, resourceful Rotary family and will do our best to remain strong and responsive throughout this horrific moment. My door is open to anyone who needs a hot meal or a compassionate ear.
CONTACT: LISA@CANTALINIS.COM
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PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE ROTARY
Serving our Community since 2005
"Stronger Together!"
Presidents Lisa & Brady
Rotary Four-Way Test:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
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ZOOM LINK
For Wednesday's meeting
