Rotary Clubs gain ‘hero status’ in humanitarian efforts
Facebook photo form Rotary Club of The Dalles 2023 - The Hood River Latino Network joined Rotary of The Dalles for lunch. Rotary of The Dalles was also recently elevated to ‘hero status’ for fundraising efforts to help people around the world who are struck with disaster.
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., July 9, 2025 — Rotary clubs in the Mid-Columbia were just elevated to hero status for helping people around the world through funding disaster relief efforts in war-torn countries or those ravaged by natural disasters.
“I’m delighted to share that Rotary District 5100 , under your Ambassadorial leadership, has been named one of our esteemed Legion of Hero recipients,” said Renee Brouse with Shelter Box disaster relief.
She sent the message to Lora Helmer of Dallesport and The Dalles late last week as Helmer is a “Hall of Famer” Ambassador for the nonprofit which raises money for relief supplies and assistance for people in the throes of disaster.
“This recognition celebrates Rotary Districts with ten or more clubs that have achieved Hero Status by contributing $1,000 or more to ShelterBox—and D5100 proudly boasts 25 Hero clubs! This makes D5100 number one with Hero Clubs,” said Brouse.
“Thanks to your District’s generosity, thousands of people have received life-saving shelter in the aftermath of disaster. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support and continued advocacy of our mission. Together, we are making an extraordinary impact in the lives of those displaced by disaster.”
For more than 23 years, ShelterBox has provided shelter and other essential items to the most vulnerable forced from their homes by disaster and conflict.
Lora Helmer
Eight years ago, Lora Helmer joined the team as a ShelterBox USA Ambassador, a volunteer who continually raises awareness and mobilizes charitable support for the lifesaving mission of ShelterBox.
As of 2022, Lora had raised more than $100,000 in donations. Her volunteerism has directly enabled ShelterBox to expand its projects in some of the world’s most extreme disaster and conflict zones, including in Ukraine.
