BRA’s Executive Director, Ulrick Gaillard, last year met with John Rovetto, President of the Wallkill Valley Rotary Club in New Jersey, to discuss parternship possibilities to help support the humanitarian work of the Batey Relief Alliance in the Dominican Republic.

After several meetings, the Rotary accepted to secure an ambulance for the organization to provide emergency transport services to the batey population. Gaillard made presentations to the club, “BRA is seeking a long-term relationship with the club in volunteers, donations and funding support.” The new relationship has already led the BRA to start another relationship with the local Rotary Club of Arroyo Hondo in Santo Domingo, Dominican Repulic. The Dominican Club has pledged its support in collaborative projects between the Walkill Club, the Arroyo Hondo Club and the BRA; and to coordinate services of the ambulance to the population.

“Such a relationship is exciting because it will lead to cultural exchanges and new project ventures for both clubs,” said Anthony Cucinatta, past President of the Walkill Club. At the inauguration of the ambulance in the Dominican Republic in the Spirng of 2004, several members of the Walkill Club will travel to the DR and be hosted by members of the Arroyo Hondo.