After the Haiti earthquake the International Rotary Clubs quickly launched a global appeal for donations to help rebuild the thousands of lives disrupted by the natural calamity. President David Fowler called for contributions to provide long-term and sustainable support for the thousands of earthquake survivors whose lives have been shattered by the ordeal of the struggle to survive in the aftermath.
Hundreds of boxes have been despatched to the disaster zone, providing tents, clothing, blankets and cooking utensils to the victims. To keep this relief effort going, Rotary members mobilised to raise funds, make donations and help in any way that they could. They are still receiving offerings from the general public, which will support the ongoing relief effort and enable victims to reclaim their lives.
Weeks after the earthquake struck, the catastrophe continues to unfold and international disaster relief agencies are working round the clock to ensure emergency shelter reaches the people who need it. Reports from Haiti say thousands of people are still sleeping in the open air. With each day the need grows and agencies are doing all they can to get help to the thousands of families affected by this tragedy. The response from volunteers and supporters has once again been gratifying. All relief efforts need the public’s compassion and generosity.
It is too early to tell just how long it will take to recover from this natural disaster. Haiti has been battered by storms previously and much of the population was already destitute. Rotary members from the six Rotary clubs in Haiti are working together and, in some cases, providing shelter for others in their damaged homes.
The Rotary International Board has taken the position that their organization is not a ‘first responder’ to disaster like the Red Cross or the Salvation Army, but rather a ‘recovery responder’ once the needs rebuilding are assessed. Local Rotary Clubs are urging people to donate money for ‘ShelterBoxes’ to be sent to Haiti after its capital Port-au-Prince was struck with the biggest earthquake in more than 200 years. Each $1200.00 ShelterBox will provide people with boxes that contain a large tent, food, clothes, a portable gas stove, ground sheets, mosquito nets, a tool kit, books and kids toys and other contents capable of housing up to ten people for an entire year.
Starting as the brainchild of one Rotarian with the support of his Rotary club in year 2000 the ShelterBox initiative has become the largest Rotary Club project in the 100-year history of the organisation. Rotarian support currently contributes 50% of ShelterBox donations. Around 5,000 rotary clubs worldwide have supported ShelterBox since it was launched. To donate to the ShelterBox Haiti Appeal please go to http://shelterboxaustralia.org.au/