Tropical Storm Erika: Dominica Humanitarian Relief Project (Ottawa)
The Rotary Club of Ottawa South, in partnership with the Ottawa Dominican community are working together to raise funds to assist the small island Dominica, in response to Tropical Storm Erika.
On August 27, 2015, Tropical Storm Erika hit the small island of the Commonwealth of Dominica (72,250 pop.) leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Dominica, known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, is a small island in the Eastern Caribbean, situated between Martinique and Guadeloupe. So small it is often over-looked when disaster strikes.
Initial estimates by the government of Dominica put the infrastructure repair and reconstruction bill at over $228m US – nearly half the country’s GDP. This estimate excludes the rebuilding of more than 370 private houses and a private resort which was buried beneath a landslide after tourists were evacuated. The destruction of resort takes away the livelihood of all 56 staff members, many from the nearby village of Petite Savanne, all who have also lost their homes and all their possessions. Some losing family members, one lost 13 relatives. The village has to be permanently re-located and there are no plans to re-build the resort.
Within days of TS Erika striking Dominica, five Ottawa individuals formed a committee to see what they could do to help: Julia Ginley, Rotary Club of Ottawa South, Director International Service; Bertillia Christian, Dominica Ottawa Association; Barbara Wallace, Dominican; Suzan Lavertu, Director of School of Afro-Caribbean Dance; Suzette Weekes, Owner Branding by Weekes. Within three short weeks the committee raised over $6000, thanks to the generosity of Ottawa people.
The Chair of the Committee, Julia Ginley said,” Funds raised will be used to provide school supplies for and to re-build the Petite Savanne Primary school, which was completely destroyed along with the village of Petite Savanne, the community hardest hit. This is the priority identified by Melena Fontaine, the Chief Education Officer in Dominica,” Ms. Ginley has an existing relationship with Ms. Fontaine, as she has lead two Rotary missions to Dominica, focussing on providing training and resources to Spec Ed teachers in Dominica.
Other Ottawa Caribbean Associations have also offered their support. Notably, St. Vincent Assoc. is collecting goods to ship and St. Lucia Assoc. is providing space for a silent auction at their Jounen Kweyol (Journee Creole) on October 24, 2:30pm – 7:00pm at the Sandy Hill Community Centre, 250 Somerset.
You can help by providing monetary donations or silent auction items. As Rotary is a trusted international service organization, the Rotary Club of Ottawa South (RCOS) is working with the Rotary Club of Dominica (RCD) to ensure funds are directed where needed. Cheques should be made payable to the Rotary Club of Ottawa South, 1 Hunt Club Rd (c/o Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club), Ottawa, ON K1V 1B9. Donations of $20 or more are eligible for a tax receipt.
For more information contact Julia Ginley at [email protected]. or see our Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/communityforwaitikubuli