Larne Rotary Club's shelter box appeal

Members of Larne Rotary and Inner Wheel are encouraging donations from the public to send emergency shelter boxes to those affected by the devastating earthquake. A Rotary shelter box helps those in need by providing basic provisions that we take for granted but are so desperately needed by those affected by earthquake, flood, drought and war.

Rotary Club member Herbie Francis explained that by making donations, the Larne public can make a real difference to the lives of those in need and help them to survive.

"Each box costs around 500 and provides shelter and warmth for up to 10 people for a prolonged period. It contains a high quality 10-person tent, along with bedding and other equipment such as cooking equipment, food, clothes and water purification kit," he said.

"This is a project which Rotary International runs and is a very practical way in which Larne people can help those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. We have already been approached by people who want to help and know that aid from Rotary goes all round the world.

"We know that boxes from Rotary have got through to the affected areas in Haiti and that, for instance, some of the tents have actually been used to build field hospitals," he said.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the appeal can leave a cheque or cash in a sealed envelope marked "George Knox, treasurer, Larne Rotary Club" and handed in to the reception at the Highways Hotel. Cheques should be made out to "Rotary Club of Larne".

More than 26,000 boxes have been filled since the Rotary scheme's inception in the early 1970s and sent to more than 26 countries all over the world to help people affected by all kinds of disasters such as earthquakes, mud slides, volcanic eruptions and floods.