Service Above Self: Sharing strength with those in need

By Kitt Brand on November 29, 2025.

Need a noble holiday or birthday gift idea? Join Rotarians in providing generators to Ukraine. As you remember, the Saamis, Sunshine and Rotary Clubs of Medicine Hat have been helping Ukrainians with medical supplies, equipment, and rehabilitation care for more than a year.

Now, because of attacks on energy facilities in Ukraine, many areas are told to expect power outages lasting 10-14 hours a day this winter. As if that weren’t enough, we learned last week on our regular Zoom meeting with Ukraine, Sweden, U.S. and Canada, that areas initially overrun by the Russians, now liberated, were looted during the invaders’ retreat.

Gone from medical facilities, schools, homes, businesses now are laptops, refrigerators, generators, microwaves, anything that might make life survivable. This means that clinics, hospitals, homes, underground schools, shelters, all civilian services require other sources for light and heat. The need for generators is both immediate and dire.

You can make a difference. Make a donation yourself or on another’s behalf toward a generator. Make a family gift instead of “stuff.” Friends and family give a humanitarian blessing. You get the tax receipt. Every amount adds up. You can bring light and warmth to Ukrainians two ways: 1. By check to Rotary Club of Calgary North Foundation, Box 65250 North Hill, Calgary, AB, T2N 4T6 2. By Interac e-transfer rccn952foundation@gmail.com. Specify your gift for the Ukrainian Generators Fund. Get a tax receipt when you identify yourself with the name and address by which CRA knows you. As our Swedish friends say, “No one can do everything. But everyone can do something.”

Getting donations where they are needed is seamless. Monies go from the Rotary Club of Calgary North Foundation to the Rotary Club of Sweden-Hjo, which has an A+ rating from Rotary International for financial management. That club makes generator purchases based on verified needs at prioritized locations. Receiving, warehousing, and shipping coordination is provided by an international firm as an in-kind contribution.

This generosity saves Rotarian organizers about $60,000 annually for providing life-saving generators. Another financial safeguard is an on-site visit. Gerry Darichuk, the Calgary Rotarian who was on the front lines delivering tourniquets in January 2024, is back again in Ukraine for the third time verifying use of funds. He is also meeting with potential partners in Poland so they can replicate this accountability system with their projects in Ukraine. Your dollars are well cared for.

When looking at the plight of Ukrainians and their indomitable spirit to endure, it is hard not to reflect on the words of Isaiah, “He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might, he increases strength.” Won’t you join in sharing your strength with the Ukrainians by contributing to the Rotary Ukrainian Generators Fund?

And keep an eye out for the December column to see how you can sign a petition to help get the children stolen from Ukraine home again.

Kitt Brand is a member of the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat and associate member of Rotary E-Club of Canada One. Contact: kittbrand@gmail.com