Rotary Cambridge’s Bronwyn Byers with ShelterBox NZ’s ambassador/volunteers for Rotary District 9930, Claire Connor.
Many people who supported Rotary Cambridge’s recent Bookarama sale also donated to Rotary International’s ShelterBox Ukraine Emergency Appeal.
An information desk and donation box positioned just inside the hall entrance alerted book enthusiasts to the international Rotary appeal, which was launched shortly after the Ukrainian conflict started on February 24.
Bronwyn Byers, who has headed up Rotary’s Cambridge’s international committee for the past year, said Rotary’s support network offered assistance when needed, both nationally and internationally.
“It seemed to me that Ukraine is what we should be focusing on right now. We were delighted with the response at Bookarama. Although we ran the fundraiser completely separately from that event, a lot of people donated to the initiative as they paid for their books. We are very grateful.”
ShelterBox is an international charity working with other agencies to distribute aid to the millions of people who have fled Ukraine, with teams in Moldova co-ordinating with partners in Poland and Ukraine. ShelterBox is also working with its partners People in Need, and ReliefAid, sending mattresses to people living in ‘collective centres’ such as schools and sports centres in Ukraine, and providing a range of survival items as well as Shelter Kits and building materials to repair damaged buildings.
Claire Connor, who is ShelterBox NZ’s ambassador/volunteers for Rotary District 9930, said fundraising and the acceptance of donations is ongoing, often dependent on what type of crisis being faced.
“We never know when the next disaster will strike, and what type of disaster it might be,” she said. “The amount raised to date for ShelterBox Ukraine Emergency Appeal has been very pleasing. Every donation, however big or small, is a good donation and makes a difference to those without shelter.”
Claire said the initiative run at the Bookarama event went very well, as have two other events in which she was recently involved.
For more details go to shelterbox.org.nz
