Aziz Memon updates envoys about Rotary efforts for earthquake devastated areas in Turkiye, Syria

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Aziz Memon, a globally acclaimed social activist and a recipient of numerous international awards, met the Consul General of Turkiye in Karachi, to condole the deaths caused by the recent calamitous earthquake in their country and updated them about the Rotary relief efforts in the devastated areas. 

Being the Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Suriname, Aziz Memon offered condolences to the people of Turkiye and Syria on behalf of the Government of the South American nation. He also conveyed them the sentiments of the leaders as well as the members of the English Speaking Union (ESU) which he has been heading since last year. 

Aziz Memon, who has spearheaded the campaign for the elimination of polio in the country, also spoke to the ambassadors  in Islamabad, expressing solidarity with the people of both the countries which were struck by a devastating earthquake on February 6 which has reportedly killed tens of thousands of people, destroyed thousands of homes and other structures, and left people across the region without shelter in bitterly cold winter weather.

“The Rotary community from the world over has responded to this catastrophe immediately. The Rotary International (RI) President, Jennifer Jones, activated our disaster response efforts, communicated with the affected districts, and encouraged governors in those regions to apply for disaster response grants and share information about their relief efforts so that Rotary can amplify the calls for support,” Aziz Memon, a Trustee of The Rotary Foundation, revealed. 

“Rotary's project partner ShelterBox has an emergency response team assessing the needs in the region and how it can respond. This team is communicating with Rotary district leaders. Our service partner Habitat for Humanity International is also working on its response. Many Rotary members are asking how they can help,” he added.

“Rotary has been able to cause the greatest impact by urging its members to donate generously to The Rotary Foundation's Disaster Response Fund. Donations help clubs and districts provide aid and support rebuilding efforts where the need is greatest. The funds are distributed to affected communities through disaster response grants. The Disaster Response Fund can accept cash contributions and District Designated Funds (DDF). Donations to the Disaster Response Fund are combined and cannot be designated for a specific disaster,” he explained. 

“Supporting local initiatives has been another blockbuster effort. As we learn about local response efforts that are being led by clubs and districts Rotary raises awareness about how to support them. People can then support these projects by working directly with Rotary members in the region,” Aziz Memon, who has served as Rotary’s District Governor for Pakistan and Afghanistan, pointed out.