Bristol Rotary Club President MaryJo Fidalgo-Tavares

In about a 24-hour period last week, members of the Bristol Rotary Club raised $2,500 to help victims of Hurricane Matthew in the island nation of Haiti. The wave of charity was so swift it took even the Rotarians by surprise.

The initiative began when Rotarian Mark Alano suggested the club raise money to help families displaced and overwhelmed by the devastating hurricane. The club's first suggestion was to solicit donations on the streets of Bristol from passing motorists. However, Police Chief Josue Canario, contacted by club president MaryJo Fidalgo-Tavares, said he could not support that, as the club might break laws that prohibit panhandling.

When Ms. Tavares shared that news via email with Rotarians last Thursday afternoon, the first to respond was Klaus Kutter, owner of Ajour Jewelry. Mr Kutter suggested each Rotarian dip into their own wallets, and he pledged $50.
Reaction was swift. Within minutes, numerous Rotarians made equal or greater pledges, and within 24 hours, club members had pledged more than $2,000. Over the next few days, the total climbed to $2,500.

The money will be donated to Shelter Box USA, a charitable organization and Rotary Partner, which packages and delivers relief packages to disaster areas around the world. The Bristol Rotarians raised enough to send up to three shelter boxes to Haiti. Each shelter box contains vital supplies like a tent, cooking supplies and a water filtration system, as well as extras like school supplies and activities for children.

Ms. Fidalgo-Tavares said the club's generosity was so overwhelming, it brought her to tears. She recounted the story and thanked everyone during Wednesday's weekly meeting at DeWolf Tavern.