December 10, 2025: Rotary’s impact continues to cross borders and save sight. This week, our club received a moving letter of gratitude from our partners in Ukraine, sharing how RCWO’s support has strengthened essential ophthalmic care during an extraordinarily challenging time. The full story describes how your generosity is helping protect vision and improve outcomes for thousands of patients—children, adults, and seniors alike.
Full Story
Our club recently received a deeply moving message from our partners at the Rotary Club of Kyiv-Balzac, District 2232, expressing their heartfelt appreciation for RCWO’s support of a critical medical project benefiting a municipal ophthalmology service in Kyiv.
At their request—and for safety reasons—we cannot identify the specific clinic or hospital involved. What we can share is the profound impact that our club’s contribution is already having for patients in one of the most challenging healthcare environments in the world.
A Growing Need During a Time of Conflict
Since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, medical teams have been overwhelmed by a dramatic rise in severe eye injuries and trauma. Access to high-precision diagnostic equipment has become absolutely essential.
The clinic supported by this project provides ophthalmic care free of charge, ensuring that every patient—from children to seniors—can access the treatment they need.
How RCWO’s Support Is Making a Difference
Our contribution enabled the implementation of a modern, high-accuracy diagnostic device used for pre-surgical measurements for cataract and glaucoma care, and critically, for treating trauma patients. This technology supports surgeons in improving outcomes, reducing complications, and delivering safer, more effective care.
A Message of Gratitude and Hope
Our Ukrainian Rotary colleagues closed their letter with a message that speaks to the heart of Rotary service:
“We express our sincere gratitude to the Rotary Club of West Ottawa for your extremely important support… We are deeply grateful for your support, trust, and contribution to the health and well-being of our patients during this very challenging time for Ukraine.”
Service Above Self, Across Borders
Even from across an ocean, RCWO continues to demonstrate what it means to stand with communities in crisis. Thank you to every club member whose generosity and commitment made this support possible. Together, we are helping restore vision, hope, and dignity to those who need it most.