Northbrook Chamber, Rotary partner for 'Ask the Expert' on Ukraine relief efforts

As the war in Ukraine continues to fuel a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions, Americans are looking for effective ways to help. In a special Ask the Expert presentation, the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Northbrook welcomes Rotary International's General Secretary and CEO John Hewko at noon Wednesday, May 25, for a firsthand look at how the global organization has mobilized to provide aid for refugees. Mr. Hewko will participate and answer audience questions via Zoom.

The invasion by Russia has led to roughly 10 million people being displaced from their homes, with more than 4 million fleeing to neighboring countries. Through the Rotary Foundation's Disaster Response Fund, designated Rotary districts in Ukraine and surrounding countries can apply for grants of $25,000 to $50,000 to provide relief including water, food, shelter, medicine and clothing. As of mid-April, the fund has collected more than $9.4 million in contributions. In addition, Rotary districts have joined forces to send cargo jets filled with medical supplies from Chicago to Ukraine distribution points.

As General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation, Hewko leads a staff of 800 at Rotary's World Headquarters and seven international offices.

His professional journey includes extensive experience in Ukraine and Russia: Hewko was an international partner with the Chicago-based law firm Baker McKenzie, where he helped establish the firm's Moscow office and was the managing partner of its offices in Kyiv and Prague. Hewko assisted the working group that prepared the initial draft of the new post-Soviet Ukrainian constitution and was a charter member of the first Rotary club in Kyiv. Hewko has been a public policy scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University, a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and a member of the Council of Foreign Relations. He and his wife, Marga, are both of Ukrainian descent.

All are welcome to attend the free Zoom event, submit questions, and hear updates on the situation in Ukraine now.

Registration is required for "Ask the Expert: Ukraine Relief - Strength in Times of Crisis." Visit northbrookchamber.org for details.