MEMBERS of a Droitwich Spa group have responded to the recent pacific earthquake disasters by sending much-needed aid to the region.

The Rotary Club of Droitwich Spa Saltway has helped areas such as Samoa and Sumatra through its new shelter box project. The scheme, which was only launched a few weeks ago, gives residents and businesses chance to donate. The Shelter Box Trust then uses what has been raised to send humanitarian aid to disaster zones across the globe.

The Spa shelter box is already on it’s way to the disaster area. Plans are also advanced to involve the community by way of a display and collection in Droitwich town centre.

The Rotary Club, which meets at St Andrews Town Hotel on Thursdays at 7.30pm, is well placed to support the current appeal having recently launched the project at the town’s Salt Day event.

Shelter Box started as a small project by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard, Cornwall, in 2001, but it took off quickly. To date, it has raised ₤15 million and delivered aid in 33 countries. Recently, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles’s wife, Camilla, agreed to serve as president of Shelter Box. She is believed to be the first Royal Patron of a Rotary club project in the United Kingdom.

Each Shelter Box costs less than £500 and is intended to help a family of ten survive for six months. It contains custom supplies that typically include a large tent, blankets, water purification and cooking equipment, basic tools, and a multi-fuel stove. This amazing robust box is shipped to disasters all over the world.

The Indonesian island of Sumatra has been struck by two earthquakes in less than 24 hours. The first earthquake caused buildings to collapse and fires to rage in the city of Padang. A second earthquake then hit the island causing further devastation.

The, an 8.3 magnitude earthquake caused a large tsunami to crash into Western Samoa, American Samoa and many other islands in the South Pacific. The islands have been left shattered, with thousands of homes destroyed and a rising death toll.

Anyone wanting to help can call the donations hotline on 0300 0300 500 or visit www.shelterbox.org.

Local donations can be made by post to Stuart Beardsall, secretary of Rotary Club of Droitwich Spa Saltway, c/o St Andrews Town Hotel Droitwich.

Club president Richard Carter said: “This is the most impressive project that I have ever seen in all my years associated with service organisations and we know that by supporting Shelter Box that we are making a difference. We hope that everyone will donate generously and support the appeal.”