On April 24^th the rain in the Southern Brazil state of Rio Grande Do Sul began to fall.  Eleven days later the rain was still falling and was now totaling 18 inches. Most of the southern state is affected by the flooding.   By May 25^th 25 inches of rain had fallen and the lives of those who live there have been forever changed.   The main airports into the state were closed, 450 thousand people were displaced by the flooding, and 2.4 million were directly affected by the flooding with 100,000 still in shelters today.   The flooding and devastation are being compared to hurricane Katrina in extent and damages.  

Central States Rotary Youth Exchange has been directly impacted.   We have inbound students among us from the districts that are still flooded.    We have outbound students in the affected areas that are lending a hand.   We have Rotary family that are on the front lines of giving, supplying and distributing aid where needed.   

While we normally do not fundraise for other programs or issues, the impact that this has directly on the lives of our families and friends within the Central States Community is so large that we wanted to open this opportunity up to everyone during the summer conference.   We will have donation stations at the Commons Dining Hall and at the Covenant Fine Arts Building so that you can make your donation. or a donation can be mad online here

On Saturday night we will have the privilege to present the total raised in conjunction with the donation from District 6450 to the District 4700 Chair for Youth Exchange who has been very involved and instrumental in the distribution of aid in her state.  

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank you for your help in making a difference.  

Sincerely,
Chris Olson
Country Correspondent -Brazil
Disaster Response Coordinator District 6450

2025 Rotary International Convention | Calgary, Canada June 21-25, 2025

MAGIC ALL AROUND

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