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Need Identification: This project was introduced at the June 2023 D5440 Conference.
Needs: Since the start of the Russian invasion three years ago, the Ukrainian power grid has been a target of Russian airstrikes. The power grid in Ukraine is essential for Ukrainian citizens as they depend on it to charge cell phones which are a critical lifeline. Cell phones are used to let people know they need to evacuate or take shelter, where they can find food and medical support, and to check on the status of loved ones fighting to defend their country. Rotary Clubs in District 5440 and District 5450 have partnered with a former Ukrainian Peace Corp volunteer and Rotarians in Ukraine to buy, retro fit, and ship small portable solar panels to the Ukrainian Peace Corp contacts and Rotarians for distribution. A feature of the project is to also include messages of hope, peace and caring to Ukrainians on the back of the solar panels.
This project has been successfully implemented with high school youth and adults who retrofit the solar panels and prepare the designs. The cost of attaching a voltage converter to a panel and shipping the panel to Ukraine is estimated to be about $125 per panel. As prices change, all efforts will be made to secure the best possible price. The club is requesting $5,000 grant but the project is scalable and can be conducted for any amount under $5,000 grant; $4,000; $3,000; $2,000 etc.
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