Agenda Item #7.4
For Council Meeting of August 23, 2022
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
CITY COUNCIL
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SCOTT ALONSO, INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS AND LEGISLATIVE OFFICER, SUBJECT: UPDATE ON EFFORTS TO SUPPORT SANTA ROSA’S SISTER CITY CHERKASY, UKRAINE AGENDA ACTION: STAFF BRIEFING
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended by the Communications & Intergovernmental Relations Office that the Council, receive a staff briefing from the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa, the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa East West, the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa East Foundation regarding relief efforts with Santa Rosa’s Sister City Cherkasy, Ukraine.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Cherkasy and Santa Rosa officially became sister cities in 1991. A US Aid for International Development grant helped develop a domestic violence reduction program and initiated a series of official exchanges and visits with officials from both cities. Several other programs have spinoff from these exchanges including the Ukrainian-American Women’s Action Project, Ukrainian Diabetes Project and a joint venture with climber’s for peace.
The recent invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops has created a tremendous need for international humanitarian aid and assistance. Rotary International has a long history of providing aid for disasters and human caused conflicts. The Rotary Club of Santa Rosa, The Rotary Club of Santa Rosa East West, the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa East Foundation and the Healdsburg Rotary Club are working together to provide financial aid for humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine. Through direct club to club agreements with the Cherkasy Center Rotary Club and Rotary Club Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine funds have been sent to pay for first aid kits and medical care.
BACKGROUND
To date $153,000 have been raised through individual contributions, Rotary District 5130 grants and art sales. Individual MOU’s are developed for each project along with documentation of project costs, and distribution of supplies. Thus far Cherkasy has escaped the devastating impacts of sustained artillery fire experienced by cities in the Donbas Regions but is severely impacted by an influx of evacuees and civilians fleeing from the impacts of war further to the East. However, they continue to experience shortages in vital supplies such as bandages, wound care dressing and tourniquets.
Local Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 5130 are working together to continue to send financial aid to our sister Rotary Clubs in Ukraine. But, we need more help and involvement by all of our residents. Our recent art show in Montgomery Village was a tremendous success, raising nearly $25,000. And we can use more help to broaden participation in the relief efforts.
PRIOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW
Not applicable.
ANALYSIS
Not applicable.
FISCAL IMPACT
Not applicable.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Not applicable.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Not applicable
NOTIFICATION
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Santa Rosa/Cherkasy Relief Project Timeline Attachment 2 – Spreadsheet of Funds Raised to date to the Cherkasy Center Rotary Club
CONTACT
Scott Alonso
[email protected]
707-543-4624
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