Dear members of the Rotary
family,
In light of the tragic events
in Crans-Montana, we have decided to replace our individual governor letters
with a single joint message.
According to the latest
information, the devastating fire on New Year’s Eve claimed the lives of more
than 40 young people. Our thoughts are with the parents, relatives, and friends
of the victims. Our thoughts are also with members of the Rotary family who
have been directly affected by this tragedy in one way or another. We are
further mindful of the people of the Canton of Valais, who had only just begun
to recover from the disaster in Blatten and are now confronted with yet another
tragic event. This time, however, neither human action nor financial resources
can bring these young victims back to life.
We would like to express our
heartfelt thanks to the members of the Rotary Club Crans-Montana, and to its
president, Yves Duc, for their commitment, actions, and coordination efforts
during this deeply distressing situation.
Our special thanks also go to
the authorities, emergency responders, physicians, nursing staff, and all
others involved. They care for the victims and their families around the clock,
doing everything possible to save lives and to help pave the way toward
recovery and a new sense of normality - a path that will likely be long and strenous.
Many members of the Rotary
family have asked how they can help. At this stage, it is difficult to provide
specific answers, but certain needs are already becoming apparent. At present,
it is less a matter of financial resources and more a question of the skills
and expertise we can offer.
Shortly after the incident,
Yves Duc contacted DG Jouni Heinonen to discuss possible ways to provide
assistance. Two examples illustrate how Rotary can help:
• As many of the victims come from abroad,
there is a significant need for interpreting and translation services. Rotarians
can support the families in this regard.
• A mother has travelled to visit her
seriously injured son in the hospital. Even in the best-case scenario, his
recovery will take weeks, if not months. She has young children at home and
lacks the financial means to stay in a hotel for an extended period. Here, too,
Rotary can provide support.
We are convinced that Rotary
can offer assistance not only financially, but also in very practical ways - by
providing accommodation, meals, translation services, and more. It has been
agreed that Yves Duc will coordinate the local Rotary activities in
Crans-Montana and also abroad.
In addition, as governors of
the three Swiss districts, we are working intensively to align offers of
support with requests for assistance. We are in contact with a wide range of
organizations and institutions both in Switzerland and abroad. Those wishing to
help can find the latest information on current requests on the following
website: Crans-Montana – A Message of Solidarity
Despite these sad
circumstances, we nevertheless wish you a healthy, peaceful, and hopeful New
Year. May it bring comfort, strength, and confidence. Even after the gravest of
tragedies, life goes on. Let us take care of one another and support those in
need with the means and abilities at our disposal.
With still and heartfelt
Rotary regards,
Jouni Heinonen, John Manning
and Andrea Weber
