The devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake which struck the Caribbean Island of Haiti on January 12 was described as one of the worst to hit the area in centuries leaving tens of thousands of people dead and many more homeless.

The club would like to send at least five Shelterboxes to Haiti which will provide much needed protection and warmth to families but most importantly hope for the future.

A Shelterbox usually consists of ten thermal blankets, a rugged ten-person dome tent, tools and other survival equipment which will provide immediate shelter, a warm bed, light and heat, clean water and cooking aids and it all fits into a sturdy box.

“We have sufficient funds to purchase three Shelterboxes immediately at a cost of $1200 each but will make every effort to raise enough funds to contribute at least five from Laurieton” said Rotary President Ellis Aldridge.

“We know the only way we will achieve this goal is through the compassion and generosity of our local community”.

The Shelterbox Response Team arrived in the capital of Port au Prince just days after the earthquake struck with the first delivery of Shelterboxes used to build an emergency field hospital at the airport.

The idea of the Shelterbox was the brainchild of UK Rotarian Tom Henderson and since its inception shelterboxes have provided vital assistance to over 600,000 people worldwide after more than 70 disasters in 46 countries.

“Much of the funding which supports Shelterbox is donated by Rotary Clubs from around the world but it is really the community that is the key to its success and its future,” President Ellis said.

“The people of Haiti are in desperate circumstances and we want to play a small part by addressing one of their most urgent needs - shelter”.

The Rotary Club of Laurieton will be out in force tomorrow collecting money for their Haiti Shelterbox Appeal and are asking the community to contribute to this very worthwhile cause. They will be walking the main streets of Laurieton and will visit Lakewood during the morning hoping that the Camden Haven community will give generously.

Cheque donations can be made payable to “The Rotary Club of Laurieton”, PO Box 97, Laurieton NSW 2443 or by contacting Rotary President Ellis Aldridge on 6559 6632.