Rotary Club of Woodridge Supports ShelterBox Philippines Disaster Relief

The Rotary Club of Woodridge has donated $1,000 to ShelterBox USA in response to the earthquake and typhoon crises in the Philippines.  These funds will be used for the purchase of ShelterBox tents and lifesaving equipment to aid victims of the disaster.

“Woodridge Rotary is a strong supporter of the ShelterBox, a Rotary international disaster relief charity that provides emergency shelter and aid assistance throughout the world,” says Debbie Mascitti, club president.          

            “ShelterBox has been working relentlessly in the Philippines since November 9 to provide emergency shelter and relief to communities affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan, the largest recorded storm to reach landfall,” says Mark Dyer, an Elmhurst Rotarian and ShelterBox Response Team Member. 

            Dyer returned November 13 from a two-week deployment as the team leader to set up tent camps for earthquake survivors on the island of Bohol that was devastated by a massive 7.2-magnitude earthquake. Then, Super Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines. killing thousands of people and leaving millions struggling in its aftermath. “For people affected by the earthquake, to be hit by this super storm was just catastrophic. There were trees down, roads washed out, flooding and debris everywhere,” Dyer added.

    Thus far, ShelterBoxUSA has committed aid for 4,000 families in the Philippines, with more assistance planned. Three ShelterBox Response Teams are in Cebu City coordinating the shipment of ShelterBoxes to other areas of the Philippines.                                      “Hundreds of thousands of men, women and children in the Philippines are now homeless and without clean water or food in the wake of the typhoon. Their situation is desperate,”  Mascitti added. “This support will provide emergency shelter and the essentials these families need to survive and start rebuilding their lives.”  

            More than 30 other clubs in Rotary International District 6450 (Chicago area) are mounting similar fundraising campaigns to provide shelter, warmth and dignity to typhoon victims.

            A ShelterBox contains a tent that can accommodate an extended family of 10. Blankets, tools, water purification and cooking equipment and other items essential to survival are included. Highly trained ShelterBox Response Teams distribute boxes and supervise the erection of tent cities, working closely with local organizations, international aid agencies and Rotary clubs worldwide.                                                                                                                The price of a complete ShelterBox is $1,000. This includes the cost of all materials, packing, storage, transport worldwide and distribution to the needy.  

            The Woodridge Rotary Club recently was recognized with the Governor’s Home Town Award, recognizing its efforts to build volunteer commitment to important community projects that serve Woodridge residents to make the community a better place to live.  Rotary is also the world’s premier international service organization, often collaborating with 33,000 clubs located around the globe.  To learn more about the work of the Woodridge Rotary Club, connect to www.woodridgerotary.org.   For more information on ShelterBox, the situation in the Philipines, or to make a tax-deductible donation to them, visit www.shelterboxUSA.org. Your donation will make a dramatic impact.