Money raised for shelter boxes

The Rotary Club of Woy Woy has raised more than $2000 for the victims of natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific.

A group of Rotary club members collected the donations at Deepwater Plaza in Woy Woy and through a trivia night at Ettalong Beach Scout Hall early this month in response to the deployment of shelter boxes to victims of natural disasters.

"The cost of one shelter box is $1200 and thanks to the generosity of those who attended the trivia night and from previous donations, the Rotary Club of Woy Woy will be donating two shelter boxes to the program," rotary member Ms Vicki de Carle said.

"Our club staged an amazing night of fun, frivolity and trivia to raise funds for the shelter box program.

"Local ABC presenter Brad Storey hosted the night, challenging a crowd of 65 Rotarians and trivia buffs with questions on everything from music to politics."

The total donation will be divided into three separate contributions and sent to victims of the Philippines, Samoa and Sumatra, according to public relations director of the Rotary Club of Woy Woy Mr Tony Cameron.

"Each shelter box is a large, lightweight and waterproof box which can be used for water or food storage," Mr Cameron said.

"At delivery each shelter box contains a 10-person tent, blankets and ground sheets for warmth and protection, a multi-fuel stove which can burn anything from diesel to old paint, plus pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage.

"This forms the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate.

"A basic tool kit containing hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters for self sufficiency is also provided as well as a children's pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens.

"These small gifts are treasured by children who have lost most, if not all, their possessions.

"The contents of each box can be adapted to the specific disaster."

To donate money for a shelter box contact Woy Woy Rotary on 4342 9557 or your local Rotary club.

Press release, 7 Nov 2009 Vicki de Carle, Rotary Club of Woy Woy