Local Rotary Clubs are stepping up to help people in The Philippines affected by Typhoon Haiyan.
With more than 3,600 people killed and as many as 600,000 people left homeless by the strongest storm in history, rescue and aid efforts are gearing up around the world.
"The Rotary Club of Parksville AM have decided to help by sending 10 Shelter Boxes to help support relief efforts," said PR committee member Robert Cummings.
The $750 Family Survival Packs come in a large wheeled, water proof container and include a complete set of emergency supplies including a UN complaint, seven person dome tent, tools, a stove, kitchen supplies, blankets, rope and a school set.
“No doubt other organizations, companies and churches, here in the Oceanside area must also be doing what they can,” he said, hoping that going public with their own relief efforts wouldn’t look like boasting, but help spur on other groups.
“People support the Rotary clubs so well in this area it’s nice to show them what some of their money goes towards,” he added.
Check www.disasteraid.ca for more on the Shelter Boxes and contact your local rotary group to see how you can help.
As reported last Thursday, the Mid-Island Canadian Filipino Society is collecting cash, which experts stress is the best form of aid, which will be donated through the Canadian Red Cross and matched by the Canadian government.
Cash can be donated through the Filipino Soceity president Paolo Loberiza at 250-586-6328 or Kabayan Oriental Foods, 120a Middleton in Parksville near Pacific Brimm, open from 2:30-7 p.m.
People can also donate through groups like the Red Cross (www.redcross.ca, 1-800-418-1111), UNICEF, World Vision and others.