While we were basking in unexpected early spring sunshine, less than a month ago, during the night of 14 March, Cyclone Idai struck southern Africa.
The worst storm ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere killed more than 600 people and left hundreds of thousands homeless across Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Two-and-a-half million people have been affected. Horrific reports of the suffering appear every day.
And this week, amid the ongoing homelessness, news reports confirm more than 35,000 cases of cholera, including six deaths, and over 7,100 cases of malaria.
While our national news was dominated by Brexit, the generous shoppers in Bracknell and Wokingham responded magnificently to the appeal mounted by Easthampstead Rotarians last weekend.
Ten days ago, the people of Bracknell donated almost £740 at Tesco Warfield, and two days later, on Mothering Sunday, shoppers at Morrisons Woosehill gave a further £613, paying for several ShelterBoxes and ShelterKits.
Every penny goes to our charities.
The Rotary Club of Easthampstead focuses its disaster relief effort via the UK-based charity ShelterBox. Go to https://www.shelterbox.org/malawi/cyclone-idai-causes-flooding to see how they are responding to this disaster. Providing robust tents, tools, a stove, cooking pans and utensils, water purification equipment and first aid kits. Key items when you have lost everything!
In recent years, Easthampstead Rotarians and local Berkshire colleagues have paid for dozens of ShelterBoxes to be despatched to disaster victims wherever in the world.
Our heartfelt thanks to those who gave so generously and engaged with our volunteers discussing our appeal and the fun we have together and helping others.
Easthampstead Rotarians – Working with the Community for the Community: Making a Difference – Close to Home or Far from Home! Visitors and new members always welcome. We meet most Mondays at The Coppid Beech Hotel.
For information on our upcoming events, check out our website www.easthampsteadrotary.org or follow us on facebook www.facebook.com/easthampsteadrotaryclub.
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