Reflections from earth-
quake stricken Italy

Geraniums hang from the railing in front of a house
destroyed by the earthquake in central Italy.

By Luca Della Volta, Charter President of Rotary
E-Club 2042 Italia and 2016-17 Service Projects
Committee Chair. ( Read it in Italian )

I wanted to write about how much love and sup-
port Rotary is bringing to the areas of Italy devas_
tated by the recent earthquake. But my words
fail me, so I have to first write from the heart about
what I have seen.

I feel as if death has entered me. My lungs inhale the
dust of the earth. My feet walk amid debris. My hands
touch stone that suddenly gave way, smashing hopes
and dreams.

I trudge through streets where, a few days earlier, joy-
ful children were walking with their grandparents, spend-
ing time during their summer vacation in the town where
their parents grew up before moving on to start a family
elsewhere.

Geraniums which once brought joy now are a sad remind-
er of a happy home that is no more. Outside, near the rub-
ble-strewn lawn, is a crushed car, parked by the driver who
returned home a few hours before the earthquake.

The faces of the people reflect pain and their skin bears the
marks of devastation. Eyes roam about looking for something
to bring peace of mind, but our thoughts are weighed down
by those who are no longer here.

A mailbox remains attached to a gate knocked over by the earthquake.

In the small village of Saletta, a family’s mailbox which
used to hold letters from loved ones remains attached
to a gate that now serves as a fragile barrier against
trespassers. But you can still see inside the courtyard
where among the debris sits a crushed car and two knot-
ted sheets hanging from a window, sheets that helped
two people escape to safety.

I want to thank my fellow Rotarians from around the
world who, with their support, are helping us get
through this terrible moment.

We are men and women of action and with Rotary,
every mission is possible, even the most desperate.

We can go beyond what seems impossible because
we are serving humanity. We have always been doing
it and we will keep doing it forever.

Here, where the earth is still shaking, we have to think
about the future. We can use our expertise and profess-
sional skills to help rebuild the future for those in need.  
We will be able to help the affected communities start
over by giving them not only hope in this moment, but
also the certainty that we will leave no one behind. We
will take them by the hand and accompany them into
the future.

We are present and taking action in the local community
because even more than being members of a charitable
organization, we are reflecting the true character of Rotar-
ians: helping with our hands and heart.

Read ShelterBox and Rotary clubs take action following earth-
quake in Italy

For information on how you can help, contact relief@rotary.org