In this column I usually just inform you of the activities of our club (and sometimes of Rotary around the world). I will be doing that today but I will also be asking for your support and not to be too blunt, money.
SHELTERBOX
ShelterBox is a charity closely allied with Rotary International. For over 20 years it has been providing emergency disaster relief around the world. It gets its name from the big green boxes into which supplies are packed and then sent to where they are needed. It is a unique example of an idea being turned into reality and then growing and growing. Starting in Cornwall it really took off, largely with the support of Rotary and Rotarians internationally. Rotary Clubs have raised £54 million for the charity and 1000 members are volunteers, staff or team members.
Examples of the value of Shelter Boxes are legion:
In 2010 shelter was provided for 28000 families in Haiti.
After the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan ShelterBox helped 1500 families.
Other examples include Nepal, Antigua, Barbuda, Dominican Republic and Syria.
A box our club paid for in 2005 has been to Pakistan, Haiti and Niger.
Our club has just donated €500 to the work of ShelterBox. As you will be aware climate change is causing more environmental problems than ever before and the need for emergency relief work is only going to grow.
If you have any spare change after your Christmas festivities it would find a good home at ShelterBox. To donate go to Paphos Aphrodite’s webpage, select get involved and you will be directed to a giving page. A complete ShelterBox costs around €600 – wouldn’t it be great to raise that amount from readers?
With huge thanks for reading and to those who give.
From all in our club we wish you a very happy and healthy (!) New Year
Ian Graves (Past President)
