Clubs respond to Peru earthquake
By Joseph Derr
Rotary International News - 17 September 2007
Rotarians distribute supplies to families in the coastal provinces of Peru.
Rotarians are moving into action following a powerful earthquake that rocked Peru on 15 August, killing more than 500 and destroying some 35,000 homes.
The Coastal cities of Chincha, Pisco, and Ica were the worst hit. The destruction of highways and medical facilities in the earthquake has complicated rescue operations.
Bruce Dearnley is one of the Rotarians gearing up help. In Peru, he will work closely with local Rotarians to distribute ShelterBoxes. A member of the Rotary Club of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, USA, Dearnley graduated in April from the ShelterBox Response Team training program. He is among the first new U.S. recruits to go on a ShelterBox mission.
The Rotary Club of Chincha has mobilized to meet the immediate needs of victims, providing blankets, clothing, food, medicine, vaccines, and water. The club is now collecting money to provide community education on the proper water and sanitation techniques, public latrines, tents and tarpaulins, and other essential items.
In addition, the Rotary Club of Shoreline Breakfast in Seattle, Washington, USA, has joined forces with the Consulate General of Peru, and the Peruvian community in Seattle to send a 40-foot container of emergency supplies to Lima. The club also plans to hold a fundraiser to assist the Rotary Club of Pisco with their rebuilding efforts.
If you would like to publicize your club’s efforts to help communities in Peru, send an e-mail to relief@rotary.org.