Rotary Clubs Accept Fraternal Quake Aid

After years of donating their time and money to help disaster victims in other parts of the world, members of Rotary clubs in the San Fernando Valley now find themselves in the unusual situation of accepting donations to disburse close to home.

More than $800,000 from Rotary clubs throughout the world, including $400,000 from Japan, has been raised for earthquake relief as grants and loans to nonprofit agencies from the Valley’s chapters.

“We’ve given money and clothing for the earthquake in Mexico, the volcano in the Philippines,” said David Honda, president of the Van Nuys Rotary Club. “It’s quite enlightening that the world looks at the San Fernando Valley as also needing help.”

Funds began pouring in almost immediately after the Jan. 17 temblor, from Rotary clubs in 15 countries, Honda said. Rotary has volunteer chapters in 179 countries.

The donations have been coming into Rotary District 5260, which includes 34 chapters throughout the Valley and the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada.

Honda said the money is being disbursed by Valley chapters in loans and grants.

“We’ve given out $300,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations,” he said. “We give a lot to nonprofits because we know that some agencies suffered a lot during the quake.”

Grant awards have included $30,000 to the four Valley YMCAs, $10,000 to the American Red Cross and $10,000 to Valley College, Honda said.

“A donation like that helps us continue with all the activities that we have here,” said Karen O’Brien, wellness director for the Mid-Valley YMCA in Van Nuys, which sustained about $160,000 in damage.

Rotary has also loaned about $200,000 to individuals and nonprofit organizations affected by the temblor. The loans range from $3,500 to $20,000 and carry a 3.5% interest rate.