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Action Committee - Ideas
17th April 2003

Dear Fellow Presidents and District Leaders,

You may have received a message from DG Gloria this morning stating that a special action committee has been set up to support the frontline medical workers to fight against SARS. Members of this committee met for the first time yesterday and I would like to share with you some ideas we came up with:-

1. DG Gloria has already signed on behalf District 3450 our pledge to support “Operation UNITED”, a territory-wide campaign which aims to promote solidarity and mutual support, and to encourage Hong Kong people to take positive actions to fight the SARS crisis head-on. It covers the following areas:-
a) United in showing care – Thousands of social workers and volunteers will visit the elderly and other vulnerable people to show care and distribute SARS kits to them.
b) United in spreading positive messages - To call upon more people and companies in Hong Kong to join in a united voice to spread the message of encouragement, appreciation, support and goodwill.
c) United in cleaning up – A territory wide movement to clean our homes, schools, offices and public areas to fight against SARS and raise hygiene standard.
d) United in setting new hygiene standards – Hong Kong must set new standards of hygiene and cleanliness in homes, offices, and public areas for the future.

2. To liaise with the Hospital Authority to identify what they need in terms of equipment and protective gears (suits, goggles, masks, etc.).

3. To disseminate an unbiased and positive message to Rotarians worldwide informing them the true situation in Hong Kong and how we have been taking positive actions, and to ask them to share that message within their communities and with business associates.

4. To place advertisements on outdoor televisions to show Rotary’s support of Hong Kong’s frontline medical staff in various hospitals.

5. Ask Rotarians in District 3450 and/or their children to send letters or cards to frontline medical staff to show our appreciation and support.

6. Any other suggestion are welcome.

I am sure many Rotary Clubs, Rotarians, and/or their companies may already have undertaken meaningful projects on their own to support this battle against SARS. Our Committee welcomes Rotarians to share your thoughts and good ideas with us.

Our Committee has set an initial target of HK$600,000 to carry out the above initiatives, and possibly new ideas from Rotarians. We therefore would like to suggest each and every Rotarian in District 3450 to pledge a contribution of HK$333.00, which is the approximate per capita share of the total sum. Anything beyond that is of course welcome. Presidents are free to determine if they would like to make donations from club funds, or to ask individual members of their clubs to donate the said sum. It is also suggested that Rotarians could ask their family members, colleagues and friends to support this Rotary campaign by making donations of $333.00 each.

Consider this an urgent call, for helping our own community. Please take action immediately and let us unite to fight this big challenge Hong Kong is facing.

Would all Assistant Governors help to promote this Campaign in your respective area?

Please call me at 9492-1190, fax to 2388-5173, or email me at jones127@netvigator.com for any queries or suggestions.

Dear Fellow Rotarians, this is the time now again to Sow the Seeds of Love and Lend a Hand to all those in need.

Yours in Rotary,
DGE Jones Wong