During the course of any year, we witness a lot of tragedy. While the loss of life is, naturally, the most horrific, there are many other incidents of great misfortune that involve the loss of livelihood or property.

It seems like every year, we run stories about families who lose their homes to fires, flooding and other natural disasters.

So, it was great to see the Zelienople Rotary Club host a fundraiser dinner for Shine for ShelterBox — a nonprofit international disaster relief organization that provides supplies to families after catastrophic events — Friday at Connoquenessing Township’s The Stables.

ShelterBox provides tents, hygiene materials, building tools and other supplies to help those affected by disasters find shelter and rebuild their lives. The organization has partnered with Rotary clubs nationwide for nearly a decade.

Even better, the event was held in memory of Tom and Marie Grant, two Rotarians who were passionate about ShelterBox and served as ambassadors to the organization. The Grants both died in 2020.

“They were so passionate about ShelterBox, and that passion flowed to our club,” said Kathleen Corcoran, the event’s chairwoman.

We’re glad to see homage being paid to these two community servants — and what better way to do so than to hold a fundraising event for an organization they cherished that helps those in need?

It sounds as if the Grants’ enthusiasm for the cause was infectious. Attendees at the Friday event said they were inspired by the couple to get involved with ShelterBox.

“We wanted to help take the torch for them and continue (their) legacy,” said Melanie Sturrock, who added that she and her husband, David, were inspired by the Grants to become ambassadors for the organization.

Based on the amount raised during the event, it appears that the Grants’ enthusiasm has also spread into the community. The Rotary had already exceeded its goal for the event of $10,000 by the time the dinner started at 6 p.m.

Giving back to those in need in your community is always a good deed, especially to those who have been affected by catastrophic events. Doing so at a time when many people are struggling — due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its long-lasting effects — is even better.

Congratulations to the Rotary for this successful event, and may the Grants’ work continue to inspire others in their community to take up their cause.

— NCD