Donate to help poor families rebuild

Rotary is committed to supporting communities both locally and worldwide. At home we face challenges caused by the pandemic and rising fuel costs. However, our problems are insignificant compared to those of people living in the Philippines. They endured Super Typhoon Rai, the country’s deadliest typhoon on record, when it hit their country last year. The storm was equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, with gusts of up to 240mph. Right now, nearly half a million people have nowhere to call home. Many are still trying to get in touch with loved ones.

Our longstanding Rotary partner ShelterBox is responding, preparing teams and aid to support these devastated communities. People urgently need shelter and other essentials. While many aid agencies are struggling to get into the country,

ShelterBox has a team based there and some aid ready to go. However, the scale of this emergency is vast. Alice Jefferson, ShelterBox head of emergency response, said: “Super Typhoon

Odette (their local name) has brought catastrophic damage. Our team in Cebu are safe and well but have told us of the extreme damage and their concerns for areas still cut off. We’re well placed to help, but our help will be far outstripped by the extent of need.”

Damaged communication lines and fuel shortages are making travel extremely difficult. Despite these challenges, ShelterBox volunteers have helped more than 5,000 people so far, providing shelter kits, tarpaulins and other essential items. They are working closely with local partners; international response teams; the Philippines Navy; and Rotary contacts to make sure they respond where the need is greatest. They hope to be able to help over 8,000 more families but need your support. Please donate today to help families rebuild after Typhoon Rai. Your donation will provide shelter and other essential items for families affected by this terrible disaster.

Super Typhoon Rai has caused devastation in areas with high levels of poverty – 3.8 million people who were in the direct path of the storm are already living below the poverty line. The death toll has risen to over 400 people and reports suggest over 800,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed. In total, about seven million people have been affected. Every penny you can spare would help them.

£15 could provide three treated mosquito nets to protect against insect-borne diseases.

£30 could provide a cooking set so families could have a hot meal together.

£69 could provide a shelter kit to repair a damaged home.

£94 could provide two water filtration kits that make contaminated water drinkable.

£385 could provide a bespoke all-purpose tent, large enough for a whole family.

Please visit www.shelterbox.org for further details and to donate what you can spare – thank you.