Some of our members have family and friends who live in Oregon where wildfires have decimated many small towns. In response to the catastrophic loss of lives, animals, homes, businesses, and livelihoods for many Oregonians, Rotary District 5110 (Central & Southern OR/Northern CA) has established a Fire Relief Fund to help victims of the fires rebuild their lives. Oregon communities that have been severely devastated, if not eliminated, in the wake of these unprecedented fires will need help in both the near and long term.
 
For reference, Houston's air quality index today was 44; Portland, 30 miles from the fires has an air quality index this evening in the hazardous range of 427. Oregon is desperately hoping for rain this week (this newsletter editor lives in Portland and can attest to the terrible air quality). 
 
Oregon! My Oregon! Do what you do best - RAIN!! 
 

“For the painful and challenging times ahead, Rotary is ready to accept the public and corporate support to help those in need in our local communities. The focus is on raising and leveraging funds for future distribution via District Disaster Grants that help rebuild the fire devastated areas,” said District Governor Cindi O’Neil of Bend, Oregon. If you'd like to donate to this fund, please see the info below or follow this link