Rotary raises $16,000 for bushfire areas

The Rotary Club of Woy Woy has raised $16,700 in cash donations for families affected by the Victorian bushfire tragedy.

Club member Mr Ross Pearse said the Rotary Club was overwhelmed by the public's response.

"We raised $6700 from the generosity of our own members and members of Umina Surf Club.

"The appeal was then opened to the general public via a collection at Deepwater Plaza, Woy Woy.

"This raised a further $10,000 making a total $16,700."

Club president Mr Peter Mote said: "The public response was sensational, especially given the down turn in the economy.

"We had donations from little children of 50 cents from their pocket money, and one lady who gave us $100 and then returned with a cheque for a $1000.

"We had a never-ending procession of the elderly giving us $20 to $50 and many, many people who gave what they could afford, many giving $100.

"Some of the money raised has been used to buy shelter boxes.

"This is a Rotary project that provides shelter in the form of a tent and cooking supplies to those in immediate need.

"The rest of the money will be donated to the Rotary district in the affected area.

"The members of that Rotary district live in the area and will use their local knowledge to ensure the donation is used to help those locals who fall through the cracks of the programmes of the major donors such as the Red Cross."

Press release, 23 Feb 2009 Ross Pearse, Rotary Club of Woy Woy