Mid Suffolk Rotary responds swiftly to Venezuelan earthquake appeal
Mid Suffolk Rotary has moved quickly to put to good use much of the £650 profit raised at the Woolpit Steam Fair at the end of May.
Shortly after the event, news broke of the devastating earthquake in Venezuela, which has caused destruction on a vast scale and left countless families without shelter or basic necessities.
In light of this humanitarian crisis, the club has agreed to fund a ShelterBox, providing emergency shelter and essential supplies to some of the most deprived victims of the disaster.
ShelterBoxes are designed to offer immediate, practical relief to families who have lost everything, and the club is proud to support this vital work at a time of urgent need.
A ShelterBox is a robust, green, waterproof container designed to deliver lifesaving emergency shelter and essential tools to families who have lost their homes through disaster or conflict.
Each box is tailored to the needs of the specific crisis, but typically includes:
- A high quality family tent engineered to withstand extreme weather, providing a safe, private space for up to 10 people.
- Thermal blankets and ground mats to help families stay warm and dry.
- Water purification equipment, such as filters or purification tablets, enabling access to safe drinking water when local supplies are contaminated.
- A basic tool kit — hammers, saws, ropes, and fixings — allowing families to repair damaged structures or begin rebuilding.
- Solar lighting, giving households a reliable source of light and improving safety after dark.
- Cooking equipment, including a stove, pans, utensils, and eating sets, so families can prepare hot meals again.
- Children’s items, such as activity packs, to offer comfort and a sense of normality during upheaval.
The contents are chosen to help a family survive the immediate aftermath of disaster and start the long process of recovery with dignity and independence.
ShelterBox works closely with local partners and Rotary clubs worldwide to ensure aid reaches the hardest hit communities quickly and effectively.