Summerside Rotarians Respond to Haiti Disaster

The club is purchasing 5 ShelterBox kits that will provide emergency housing for up to 50 people. "The Rotary ShelterBox program addresses some of the immediate needs of disaster victims," says Summerside Rotary President Heather Matheson. "It's a way for local Rotarians to contribute to the international relief effort." So far, 400 ShelterBoxes have arrived in Haiti with 1100 more on route. The goal is to have more than 3000 on the ground within the coming week providing shelter for 30,000 victims. Many of the tents that have already arrived are being used as medical recovery shelters. The ShelterBox project was officially launched by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard, England in April 2000 and to date has provided shelter to over half a million people in 31 countries hit by devastating disasters. Each ShelterBox is a large, rugged, green plastic container that holds a 10-person tent and a range of other equipment. In general, typical box contents could include: • Thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets • Waterproof ponchos and bin bags • A multi-fuel stove that can burn anything from diesel to old paint! • Cooking pans, utensils, bowls and mugs • Collapsible water containers and water purification tablets • A basic tool kit – hammer, axe, saw, pliers, hoe head, trenching shovel, rope etc • A small, children's pack containing drawing books, crayons, pens etc. "Each ShelterBox costs $1000," says Matheson. "And anyone can contribute toward the purchase of one. Several individuals and businesses have already donated enough money for us to purchase a sixth ShelterBox so it's possible we might be able acquire at least 10." The Rotary Club of Summerside will accept contributions from the public at the Journal Pioneer, Scotia Bank and McInnes Cooper Law Offices. Cheques should be made out to the Rotary Club of Summerside. Charitable donation receipts will be issued. The funds will be forwarded to the ShelterBox program.