September Newsletter – Nepal Disaster Response.

Nepal hit by flash flooding

How you can help

On Wednesday 26th August at 9am local time, a major flash flood struck the Rasuwa district of northern Nepal, affecting villages near the border of Tibet, destroying homes, roads, bridges and buildings and damaging key infrastructure like power facilities.

According to local authorities at least 547 people have been killed with the death toll expected to rise as search and recovery efforts are still ongoing.

Over 1000 people are thought to be missing on either side of the Nepal-Tibet border, with thousands also thought to have lost or suffered damage to their homes.

Here is how you can help:

Rotary-affiliated charities respond
Rotary GB&I Disaster Recovery Trust appeal
Materials for fundraising collections

Rotary-affiliated charities respond

For those looking to donate or support the immediate response to the disaster, we recommend supporting one of the Rotary-affiliated response charities outlined below.

The Rotary Foundation

At the time of sending this newsletter, Rotary International publish member-led response efforts on their website. If members in Great Britain and Ireland wish to contribute to The Rotary Foundation’s general Disaster Response Fund, they can do so through Rotary Foundation United Kingdom (RFUK).

helterBox

ShelterBox, Rotary’s global partner in disaster response, is working with partners in the region to understand the scale of the disaster, identify the number of people affected and assess what support communities need most.

ShelterBox last responded in Nepal in 2015 following two powerful earthquakes. They worked with Rotary to deliver emergency shelter to almost 68,000 people.

Follow updates on their appeal and donate on their website.

Aquabox

Aquabox is an emergency response charity originating from Wirksworth Rotary Club in Derbyshire, specialising in clean water.

The charity is urgently assessing needs with their partners on the ground, including organisations and Rotary clubs based in some of the worst-affected areas.

They stand ready to deploy existing water filter stocks, which would support 15,000 people displaced after the floods.

Follow updates and donate on their website.

Disaster Aid UK & Ireland

Trustees are meeting soon to decide on raising an appeal and how they should respond. More details will be provided via their website, where you can also donate.

Water Survival Box

The charity is in touch with the Nepal Trust, with whom they have a good working relationship. More details will be provided via their website, where you can also donate.

Rotary GB&I Disaster Recovery Trust Appeal

he Rotary GB&I Disaster Recovery Trust (DRT) has also opened an appeal. The DRT is a Rotary GB&I charity which supports the long term regeneration and rebuilding phase following a disaster, rather than the immediate response.

The DRT collates donations and makes grants to Rotary projects working to rebuild communities, such as supplying schools, restoring infrastructure and providing rescue vehicles.

Since 2007, the DRT has supported projects across the UK and Ireland, and around the world, from Australia to the Caribbean.

Donate to Disaster Recovery Trust >

Materials for fundraising and collections

We know that many members and clubs will be keen to support fundraising and collection efforts following this disaster, with some groups already planning activities for the coming weekend, which includes a Bank Holiday in parts of Rotary GB&I.

We have created a set of digital materials to help support your activities:

Digital download includes:

A1 poster and A4 posters (colour and ink friendly)
A4 collection bucket wrap
A5 collection tin wrap

Download >

July Newsletter

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If you hold a specific club, district or Rotary GB&I role, you will also receive specific communications related to that role.

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Kick start your service this Rotary year

Looking to get your teeth into some volunteering to start the new year?

The Rotary GB&I Impact Portal is a game-changer when it comes to finding volunteering opportunities in your local community and beyond!

The platforms empowers you as a member to connect, get involved, support local projects, and track your impact all in one place!

We’ve got almost 100 live opportunities across the Rotary network ready and waiting for volunteer applications. Plus, upload your own opportunities to start recruiting helping hands for your activities.

Meet your senior leaders 2026/27

Bob Maskall – Chair, Rotary GB&I Board

Former RAF fighter pilot Bob begins the year as Chair of the Rotary Great Britain & Ireland Board with a focus on growth and change. Passionate about strengthening clubs and attracting new members, Bob believes Rotary’s future lies in embracing new ideas while building on the friendships and service that define our organisation.

Yinka Babalola – Rotary International President

Rotary International’s new President, Yinka Babalola, brings a lifetime of service, leadership and determination to the role. From his beginnings in Rotaract to leading Africa’s fight against polio, his journey reflects Rotary’s power to change lives. This year, his message to members is simple: Create Lasting Impact.

Meet the Rotary GB&I Board 2026/27 >

Meet the District Governors 2026/27 >

Key Dates for 2026/27

Areas of Focus