Members of the Rotary Club of Bath will be collecting in the city centre this Saturday, 11th September, to raise money for victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti.
A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the country on 14th August, causing widespread destruction and damage to over 130,000 buildings, and to date over 2,200 deaths.
Haiti’s hospitals were overwhelmed by the injured, and now waterborne disease is threatening to cause widespread illness and death, especially amongst half a million of the island’s children.
The Rotary Club will be putting all money raised towards the purchase of specialist ‘ShelterBox’ kits, which contain key items to help families stay safe outdoors, including a tent, tools, water containers and filters, and an activity kit for young children.
Rotarian Roger Morris, who has organised the collection, said: “The aftermath of the earthquake threatens to be even more deadly than the terrible quake itself.
“Haiti’s children are particularly vulnerable to post-disaster disease, and the Shelter Box contents will help keep them healthy and safe until permanent measures can be put in place.”
The charity collection will be taking place in Stall Street from 1pm to 4pm.
Donations can also be made direct to Shelterbox via their website: www.shelterbox.org.