Published at 12:58, Monday, 08 February 2010

GENEROUS people and organisations in Ulverston have responded to an appeal to help victims of the Haiti disaster by raising nearly £2,000.

RAISING MONEY: Rotary Club of Ulverston members Philip Longman and president Terry Horne, centre, try out one of their earthquake victims survival kits for their Haitian Shelterbox appeal, with Rev Tony Wells of Ulverston Methodist Church JON GRANGER REF: 50000740B000

The money has gone towards the Rotary Club of Ulverston’s Shelter Box appeal.

Each Shelter Box costs £495, including transport, meaning that four of the potentially lifesaving boxes will be sent to the stricken country.

Terry Horne, president of the Rotary Club, said: “Each Shelter Box comprises a ten-person tent with lifesaving equipment for displaced or homeless people for up to six months.

“They contain a range of survival equipment, including thermal blankets, insulated ground sheets, water purification equipment, plus a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that can boil water and cook food.

“We thought that raising money for this equipment would be the best way of responding to this terrible disaster.”

Two street collections conducted by Rotary Club members in Ulverston town centre raised over £1,000 of the total amount, with £746 raised on the first day, and £343 on the second.

In addition to that, Ulverston CE Infant School in Church Walk added £110, Ulverston Methodist Church £500 and Swarthmoor Methodist Church £195.

The day after the catastrophic earthquake struck, the Rotary Club immediately sent £495 to fund a Shelter Box.

Mr Horne wished to say a special thank you to all those who have contributed.

He said: “People in Ulverston have been absolutely magnificent in supporting our appeal. Well done Ulverston.”

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk