ROTARY AIDS PAKISTAN FLOOD VICTIMS
Canterbury’s three Rotary Clubs have risen to the call of the international community to help the victims of the Pakistan floods. On Saturday 21 August, the Rotary Clubs of Canterbury, Forest of Blean and Canterbury Sunrise, combined forces to organise and run a street collection in the city’s High Street.
|
A Rotarian collecting from members of the public in the High Street |
The collection raised more than an £1,500 and this magnificent sum has already been used to purchase three ShelterBoxes to provide immediate shelter and support for up to ten people a piece. These three boxes are in addition to the two already sent from the Rotary Club of Canterbury’s international emergency contingency fund.
The President of the Rotary Club of Canterbury, Robert Yonge, said: “The people of Canterbury responded magnificently to this appeal to help the victims of this devastating flooding in Pakistan”. Robert continued: “None of us can imagine the trauma of losing our homes and possessions through a natural disaster like this and we are pleased the street collection has enabled us to provide some immediate practical help in the shape of the ShelterBoxes”. He added: “As soon as the scale of the disaster became apparent all three Rotary Clubs in the City of Canterbury decided the best way forward was to combine forces and raise as much money as possible. The people of Canterbury didn’t let us down”.
At the heart of each ShelterBox – which costs £490 – is a ten-person tent designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high winds and heavy rainfall. Also included is a range of survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets. Where malaria is prevalent mosquito nets are supplied, as well as means of water purification. Water supplies often become contaminated after a major disaster, as infrastructure and sanitation systems are destroyed. A stove, cooking utensils and a basic tool-kit is included as well as a pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens for children who have lost most, if not all, their possessions.
