Rotary team responds to Pakistan emergency
TOWNSFOLK URGED TO SUPPORT 'SHELTERBOXES'
THE PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN were at the forefront of the minds of concerned Rotary Club members last Saturday, when they took to the streets of Bray to raise money for 'shelterboxes'.
The organisation Shelterbox responds instantly to earthquake, volcano, flood, hurricane, cyclone, tsunami or conflict, by delivering boxes of aid.
Each box supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and lifesaving equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless. The contents are tailored depending on the nature and location of the disaster, with great care taken sourcing every item to ensure it is robust enough to be of lasting value.
The cost of a box is over€500, including delivery direct to those who need it. Each box bears its own unique number so as a donor you can track your box all the way to its recipient country via the website
Highly trained ShelterBox Response Teams distribute boxes on the ground, working closely with local organisations, international aid agencies and Rotary clubs worldwide.
Members and volunteers with Rotary Club Bray gathered outside the Holy Redeemer last weekend, with current President Massimo Lepri leading the way. They collected donations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A shelter box and tent were also on display on the day.
In the past, Bray Rotary club has raised €42,000 to sent 60 shelterboxes to victims of the Tsunami in south east Asia in 2004; €3,000 for victims of flooding in Ireland in 2009, and €12000 for victims of the earthquake in Haiti this year.
'100 per cent of the money raised is used to purchase the shelter boxes and Rotary does not retain any money for organising the fund raising,' said Massimo.
- MARY FOGARTY
