Barnstaple Rotarians send help to tsunami-hit areas

dave.tanner@archant.co.uk
12 October 2009

THE Barnstaple Link Rotary Club has raised enough money in the last few days to send another two shelterBoxes to the stricken area of Samoa following the recent Tsunami.

In four days the Rotary-sponsored charity shelterBox raised £100,000 thanks to the dedication of Rotary members.

Vital relief supplies arrived within days in Samoa, the Philippines and American Samoa following the tsunami and earthquake.

Already there are ShelterBox teams on site in the Philippines with emergency shelter provision for up to 1,000 people in Taipei, Taiwan last weekend.

The disasters have destroyed villages, leaving hundreds of people in chaos and worrying for missing loved ones. Water Survival Box, Shelterbox and Aquabox will provide much needed temporary homes and clean water during this terrible time.

They contain water purification kits, tents and other equipment for hygiene. Research is ongoing to improve the contents of the boxes, further helping those in need.

The projects are supported by Rotary members up and down the UK who raise funds through various activities to help provide humanitarian aid where needed.

Anything from school activities to public donations are poured into the initiatives with the aim of saving lives. While two boxes from the link club will help it is far from enough and the club is hoping that the general public will again support any fund-raising.

"The problem is not so much now as that is being addressed. It is the next disaster we must be prepared for by restocking as the severity of the latest disaster has diminished stocks," said the Link Club President Martin Chamberlain