By way of its project to aid victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the Butler Rotary Club proved how much positive impact a single organization can have in the wake of a tragedy.

The local Rotary Club raised $102,500 on behalf of a Sri Lankan village that was washed away in the Dec. 26, 2004, disaster. Part of the money was used to build 30 houses for victims of the disaster; the victims also received $50 a month for 12 months to aid in their recovery.

All of the money collected was sent overseas except for $75, which was used to pay the costs of wiring the money to its destination.

According to Dr. Gordon Fletcher, a Rotary member who visited Sri Lanka after the disaster, the village, which was moved approximately a mile inland from its former location, today is almost fully functional.

In addition to the houses built as a result of the Butler club's effort, another 30 were built by Rotary International. The village also received other donations to pay for installation of wells, sewer lines and roads.

After a disaster, some well-meaning people find themselves wondering what the best vehicle might be for making a financial contribution to aid victims.

Those who contributed to the local Rotary Club's tsunami effort can feel pleased about how their donation was put to use. Thanks to the Rotary, some people left with vitually nothing as a result of the killer wave have been given a big boost in returning their lives to normalcy.