Help us to help Haiti (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Help us to help Haiti

12:09pm Monday 18th January 2010

ROTARIANS are calling on residents in Clacton to help survivors of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Clacton Rotary Club paid £2,000 for four emergency shelterboxes to be flow immediately to the Caribbean country two days after the massive quake on January 12.

John White, of Clacton Rotary Club, said Rotary International already has three members in Port au Prince helping with disaster relief.

After they called for emergency shelters, Rotary Clubs across the UK immediately sent out 930 shelterboxes and 1,000 more are being prepared.

“Each shelterbox contains a disaster relief tent for up to ten people complete with a cooking stove, blankets, water purification tablets and other items essential for survival,” said Mr White.

“Each box costs £490 to cover all materials, packing, storage, transport worldwide and distribution at the disaster site by Rotarians.

“Having had the request the Rotary Club of Clacton immediately sent a cheque for £2,000 to cover the cost of four shelterboxes.”

Mr White said the club has now turned its attention to raising money to provide aquaboxes, which provide safe drinking water for a family of four for up to four months.

In October the club purchased 20 aquaboxes, with cash mostly donated by primary schools in Clacton, to be held for use in such disasters.

Anyone who wishes to donate cash to the aquabox appeal can do so at Norman and Neil Opticians, in High Street, Clacton, or at Dots, in Broadway, Jaywick.