Posted by Bill Donnelly on Oct 26, 2018
Our District is initiating a campaign to help provide relief to the victims of Hurricane Michael in the Florida Panhandle part of District 6940 (John Medina DG). The campaign is called, “Operation: Tarp the Panhandle.”  We are working closely with District Governor John Medina and their members.  John stated the middle of his district has been completely destroyed.
 
Our goal is to target homes that are structurally sound but are missing some or all of their shingles. It is difficult to determine how many homes fit the profile, but it could be in the thousands. We want to put tarps on those homes, so families can begin to return and have some sense of stability brought back to their lives. TO READ MORE...Click on Operation: Tarp the Panhandle ABOVE.
Our District is initiating a campaign to help provide relief to the victims of Hurricane Michael in the Florida Panhandle part of District 6940 (John Medina DG). The campaign is called, “Operation: Tarp the Panhandle.”  We are working closely with District Governor John Medina and their members.  John stated the middle of his district has been completely destroyed.
 
Our goal is to target homes that are structurally sound but are missing some or all of their shingles. It is difficult to determine how many homes fit the profile, but it could be in the thousands. We want to put tarps on those homes, so families can begin to return and have some sense of stability brought back to their lives.
 
Bud Verfaillie, a member of the Mullica Hill Rotary Club, is spearheading this campaign on behalf of our District with my full support and resources. Each team will be comprised of 3 to 4 people, which can include non-Rotarians. At least 2 of the members should be able to climb up and down a 14’ ladder and maneuver around lightly sloped roofs. You do not need construction experience, but only need to use a tape measure, cordless drill or make minor cuts using a saw. Tarping instructions will be provided.  You can spend a couple days or a week or more.  The first wave of teams will be starting on Monday, November 4th and I would imagine continue to arrive over the weeks to follow.  (details to follow)
 
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Rotarians who recruit their children, friends, neighbors and other contacts to an experience that can be life changing. You have the opportunity to become part of a movement that will be bringing displaced families back to their homes.
 
We realize everyone is busy and this will be a hardship leaving your families, jobs or business, but imagine the hug from a family after your team made it possible for them to return to their dry home so they can resume their lives again. Your team members will remember that heart felt hug forever.  Bud Verfaillie conducted hurricane relief effort last year in southwest Florida with great success. Lodging will be provided by Rotarians in unaffected areas of the Panhandle for team members.
 
We want to set the example to other Districts that we truly are going to put “Service above Self” and make the personal sacrifice to participate in this show of compassion to our friends in the South.  We ask that you participate in collecting donations for this campaign of compassion.
 
The District website (rotarydistrict7505.org) has a donation button named, “Operation-Tarp the Panhandle”, a link showing a list of donations and also a list of donation drop-off sites around central and south jersey. We ask that you consider how you can help make it an overwhelming success by your involvement.  Please contact Bud Verfaillie (budv@victoryfiduciary.com or 856-371-1845) if you have questions about “Operation: Tarp the Panhandle”.   
 
Yours in Rotary Service,
Bill
 
Below you will find a DONATE SUPPLIES THROUGH AMAZON link, and a MAKE A DONATION link for ease of donating to the Disaster Relief effort.
 
 
 
We are also looking for and are organizing teams throughout our district. Please contact Bud Verfaillie (budv@victoryfiduciary.com or 856-371-1845) if you are interested in organizing a team. 
 
Here is a Video on "How to TARP a Home" by Bud Verfaille.  https://youtu.be/Hx5CCI6KwNg