Rotaractors Seek Aid for Flood Victims in North Korea

Several Illinois Rotaract clubs are raising money to provide medical assistance for flood victims in North Korea. Working with Rotarians in Shanghai, China, as well as the Red Cross, and other groups, the Rotaractors hope to raise US$10,000 to send medical supplies to this non-Rotary country.

Current relief efforts have not kept up with the demand for antibiotics, food, medical supplies, and other essential humanitarian items. Heavy monsoon rain storms began sweeping the country on 5 August, and continued until 17 August. The rain submerged more than 11 percent of the nation’s rice and maize fields as well as part of Pyongyang, the nation’s capital. According an estimate by the United Nations, more than 200 people died and more than 300,000 have been displaced from their homes.

The Rotaractors hope to raise the money needed in the next month, calling the fundraiser “Operation Flood Relief Now.” The deadline to donate to this project is 15 October 2007.
To help, contact:Gary D. Permenter of the Rotaract Club of Chicago, Illinois, USA at: gary.permenter@gmail.com or 415-670-9160