31st  January  2005

10th  January  2005

Following last week’s press release regarding the efforts of Great Yarmouth Haven Rotary Club members to raise much-needed funds for the Asian Tsunami Disaster Appeal, Rotarian Mike Butcher provided an update for members at last Monday’s lunchtime meeting. Of the initial £13,000 collected at various locations throughout the town, a sum of £12,250 has been credited direct to the Shelter Box account for payment of 25 shelter boxes. These will provide semi-permanent shelter and basic necessities for 250 people and are in addition to the five previously funded from the Club’s Charity fund. The Shelter Boxes have already been despatched to the stricken areas.

Ongoing collections have increased the current amount received to over £16,000.

A magnificent effort by the staff at Potters Leisure Resort who organised a special show last Sunday specifically to raise money for the Disaster Appeal has produced a sum of  £11,650, with money still coming in. This is to be channelled through the Haven Club to arrive at a current grand total in excess of £28,000. The 14 clubs (including Great Yarmouth Haven) in the area have raised over £58,000 and District 1080 figure is £260,000. The funds will be used to address both the immediate and long-term needs of those people in the disaster areas.

Rotarian Mike Butcher commented that he felt humbled by the support of all those concerned with the appeal.

Shelterboxes already erected in Sri Lanka – tangible evidence of Rotary’s rapid response to the Tsunami Disaster

4th January  2005

Despite their break for the Christmas holiday period, the members of Great Yarmouth Haven Rotary Club made a prompt response to the Asia Tsunami Disaster Appeal. A sum of £2,500 was authorised on the expenditure of five shelter boxes. These will be despatched to the stricken areas under the auspices of Rotary International. Then, following the initiative of Rotarian Mike Butcher, members rallied round with collecting tins at various venues throughout the town and raised a total of £13,000 in three days. The sum is likely to go direct to the Shelter Box fund and will provide semi-permanent accommodation and support for over 250 people. A total of £9675 was raised at Tesco’s Store, £861 at B & Q, £907 at the Oceans Rooms, £762 at the Atlantis Arena and a further £400 at the Long Bar Complex and the Marina Centre. Additionally, a number of personal contributions have been made through Gift Aid to swell the amount from income tax rebates. The final total is expected to grow as the proceeds from other collections and from a special show at Potters Leisure Resort are received. For those wishing to support this event, it takes place at the Resort’s Atlas Theatre on Sunday 9^th January at 2.30 p.m. (Adult tickets are £10 and £5 for children). President Michael Woods wishes to express his sincere thanks to all those involved in raising the money for this worthwhile cause and commented, “All our efforts have been made out of respect for the resilience of the people to rebuild their lives with the help that we can send them”.