Rotary’s URGENT Call for Midwest support to Typhoon relief

Rotary clubs around the world are pledging emergency aid to communities in central Philippines after last week’s massive typhoon flattened entire coastal towns and villages, killed thousands of people, and displaced nearly 600,000 more.

The situation remains dire as widespread destruction has made food, water, and medicine scarce in remote areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan, the strongest storm to make landfall. Rotary’s regional Office has received calls on how they can help out.

Rotarians in the Philippines are providing relief but most effective way is to send money direct to the area affected. District Governor Edgar can then use the funds where they believe it is most effective . Food , water , medicines etc. are in great need and can be sourced from other parts of the Philippines.

Past President Di Gilleland said, “Australians are well known for their generosity in times of need, members of the three Geraldton Rotary clubs are calling on the people of the Midwest to dig deep to help in this disaster appeal. The people of the Philipinnes have no food, water or homes, many have lost their entire families, we need to act NOW !” said Mrs Gilleland.

Rotary members often are both first-responders and rebuilders when major disasters strike because clubs are present in every corner of the world. Rotary continue with recovery efforts long after international relief agencies have gone because Rotary clubs are part of the communities we serve.”

Rotary partner ShelterBox has committed aid for 4,000 families in the form of emergency shelter and other relief assistance. Such disasters are “exactly why Rotary entered into a partnership with ShelterBox. It gives Rotary members worldwide the opportunity to respond immediately and in a very meaningful way to the life-threatening conditions faced by the people of the Philippines.

A Shelter Box is $1000 - visit: http://www.shelterboxaustralia.com.au/index.php Additionally and crucial are cash donations, they can be paid at the National Bank

Account Name: Rotary Club of Geraldton Greenough 086643
028142297
Phillipines Appeal

Contact - Rotarians – Dan Crisp – 0417 900 192 & Di Gilleland M: 0419 854 413

ShelterBox pack 100 pounds of equipment in just 33 x 24 x 22 inches. Here’s what is inside:

• A custom-made shelter tent that fits up to 10 people, designed to withstand extreme temperatures and rain. It even has privacy partitions inside.

• Thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets.

• Water purification system that runs for six months.

• Industrial-grade mini stove that can use wood or any other fuel.

• Cooking utensils.

• Bowls, mugs and other containers.

• Toolbox with hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters.

• A children pack with drawing books, crayons and pens, to keep the kids distracted after losing all their toys.

• And of course, the heavy duty box can be used to store anything, from food to water