March 21, 2022
Dear Skål USA Members,
The despicable war in Ukraine is taking a tremendous toll on innocent civilians including old people, women, and children. Skål members from around the world want to provide aid.
As your Skål International Councillor, I have been asked if the Florimond Volckaert Fund could be used to help in providing much-needed relief. As the FVF administrator for the US, I contacted the funds three Trustees and was told unfortunately the funds are to be used only for members and their families and it is set up and is administered under strict legal guidelines that can’t be altered.
That said, we discussed establishing a separate fund, like the one set up to aid survivors of the tsunami in Indonesia a few years ago. A special bank account was established to receive donations from Skål clubs and members from around the world and over $105,000 was collected.
I am pleased to advise you that President Burcin has authorized Past President and Past Florimond Volckaert Fund Trustee, Jan Sunde to head up a committee that will set up a bank account to receive Skål club and member donations and make sure they are distributed appropriately.
While the fund is being established, your Skål USA Executive Committee wanted to give you a "heads up" so that you can start fundraising and collecting member donations. The need is tremendous, and we want to show that Skål USA can make a difference.
Skål Europe is doing a wonderful job collecting and bringing clothing and supplies to the front lines. It is easy as everything in Europe is close. We here in the USA are unable to help in that effort but we can provide much-needed funds to help provide food, water, and medicine.
We want to thank you for your support. Details will be sent to you as soon as they are finalized with how and where your donations can be sent. In the meantime, please spread the word and prepare to help.
On behalf of your Skål International USA Executive Committee, I thank you for your help and support.
Warmest regards,
