California Wild Fires

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I need to disclose from the outset that this is a very personal issue for me. I come from a very large family (eight of us) and the majority of them live with their families in Southern California. All of them, including my parents, can look out their windows and see the smoke and fire. Although every one of my family members are safe and accounted for at this time, that is not the case for many of our Kiwanis family members. We are hearing stories every hour of Kiwanis members who have lost their homes, have been evacuated, or in some way impacted by these devastating fires. We are also receiving reports of Kiwanis clubs and members who have responded to this crisis the way that Kiwanians always do. These Kiwanis heroes are feeding and housing people and doing whatever is needed to help those who are suffering. Although I know there are issues and challenges all over the world where Kiwanis members are making an impact, this one is very personal and real to me because these are people that I know and love. My personal thanks go to our Kiwanis heroes for all they are doing. Leadership is so critical in time of crisis and Kiwanis Leaders are making it happen. If you would like to help support them in their efforts, your Kiwanis International Foundation is accepting donations and aggressively supporting our Kiwanis family in the effected areas. You can make a donation online at kif.kiwanis.org, or by calling 1-800-Kiwanis. If donating is not enough and you want to do more, please contact me at robparker@kiwanis.org and I will help connect you with the right people who you can work with. If you are a Kiwanis member from Southern California, I would love to hear your story. If you know of any needs or are aware of specific work that is being done by our Kiwanis members, I would like to hear from you. Please pray for our Kiwanis families in Southern California during this time of crisis and consider what role you might play in the recovery effort.

Posted Oct 26 2007, 02:36 PM by Rob Parker

Comments

Conrad Oien Port Townsend Washington wrote re: California Wild Fires

on 10-27-2007 10:48 AM

This report makes me even more proud to be a Kiwanian. I was wondering as I watched the reports on these fires what I could do help help the victims of this tragedy. Now I know. As President of the Port Townsend Kiwanis Club I am going to present this matter at our next board meeting and request that we make a donation as a club to this effort.

Jennlyn, Hemet CA wrote re: California Wild Fires

on 11-05-2007 10:41 AM

I visited the La Jolla club last week and was awestruck that so many people had been effected by the fires. The cities are still recovering from the ash and the soot but the spirit of the people is better than ever. There were thousands of people who volunteered to help. Wouldn't they all make great Kiwanis members?