A collaborative effort between the Rotary Club of Lacanau and the Rotary Club Majorelle in Marrakech resulted in the distribution of aid to families impacted by the September 2023 earthquake in Morocco. The initiative, which involved both material donations and locally sourced supplies, underscores the growing trend of international organizations responding to regional crises.
Partnership with Rotary Club Majorelle Facilitates Distribution
According to Jean-Pierre Voisin, vice-president of the Rotary Club of Lacanau, clothing – primarily warm items for women and children – was collected in late November and shipped to Marrakech via a transportation provider. Funds to purchase additional supplies on the ground were then raised during a dinner event held at Riad de Marrakech du Bouscat, the second restaurant owned by Mourad Zahni.
Following the fundraising efforts, eight members of the Rotary Club of Lacanau traveled to Morocco from February 2 to February 7 to oversee the distribution process. This involved sorting the donated clothing, purchasing food, toys, and hygiene products, and assembling packages totaling several tons of aid.
“The distribution on site had been planned in conjunction with the Rotary Club Majorelle of Marrakech, a women’s club led by Imane Belmekki, who served as a liaison with local authorities to obtain the necessary authorization for the operation,” Voisin explained. “All beneficiary families had been identified in advance, consisting of residents from four villages in the Amizmiz region of the High Atlas Mountains, which was significantly affected by the earthquake.”
To ensure equitable distribution, the process was conducted under the supervision of the caïd, a local representative of the Ministry of the Interior. This oversight aimed to guarantee fairness in the delivery of aid to those in need.
