Project Description:
West Torrens Rotary through our District  has made a commitment to support RAWCS Project 58-2022-23. The project aims to provide humanitarian aid through provision of heating, cooking, shelter, power supply (generators) and other essential supplies to Ukrainians in Odesa and regional villages. Working in association with Ukrainian not-for-profit charitable NGO “New Dawn” and Rotary District 2232 (Odesa)

New Dawn was started by Julia a Ukrainian from Odesa following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.  Her request for volunteers and a place to co-ordinate support for people impacted by the conflict was answered by locals. Initially based in School 35, in August 2022 they relocated to derelict premises which were made fit for purpose by volunteers. New Dawn received NGO status in June 2022 and this completed the transformation from a grass-roots volunteer movement to a more efficient and structured organization.

In fulfilling one of the aims of the project an upgrade to bathrooms and shower conditions at a Psychiatric Hospital in southern Ukraine was completed with new tiling, pipe work and the installation of a hot water system.

The New Dawn –  Rotary – Ukraine project team has commenced a series of regional / village school projects.  There have been many schools and public facilities badly damaged during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Working with local community leaders  a number of schools  have been identified in need of repair (classrooms and student equipment)  The first three school projects have commenced with more to follow in 2024.