Rotary disaster aid school box presentation

Rotary District Governors and representatives from Rotary Clubs of Middleton, Rochdale, Rochdale East, Buxton, Manchester Day Break, Oldham Metro and Hyde

Two District Governors and representatives from Rotary Clubs of Middleton, Rochdale, Rochdale East, Buxton, Manchester Day Break, Oldham Metro and Hyde came together to present cheques totalling £1,900 to Rotary Disaster Aid.

The money raised will provide a school box containing tents to accommodate up to eighty children, together with Books, pens and other materials.

This will enable children who have suffered disaster such as earthquake or flood to get back to school as soon as possible.

Rotarian John Brooker said, “Many large international agencies go into areas following major disasters to provide the initial response needed but getting children back into the routine of attending school is also of vital importance for their future well being. So I thought I would approach my friend and District Governor, Ged Heatherington and ask him how we could approach other Rotary Clubs to fund a School Tent for DAUKI.”

Ged Heatherington, District 1280 Governor and member of the Rotary Club of Middleton spoke to Derek Newman, District 1050 Governor and member of the Rotary Club of Manchester Breakfast and rallied the Rotary clubs from their respective districts.

Pam Joyce from DAUKI said: “What a great night it has been. DAUKI really appreciate the support and are happy to accept these funds from these great Rotary Clubs. We can now provide a school in an area where it would not have been possible to get children back into education. Our team at DAUKI is very grateful for the generosity of these clubs and I would like to add an extra special thanks to Rotarian John Brooker for initiating the idea in the first place.”

Ged Heatherington, District 1280 Governor commented on the night,: “This collaboration between these various Rotary Clubs just shows the great impact Rotarians can have in the world when we come together and share a common goal. As Rotary International is doing with the work it does to eradicate Polio in the World.”

Derek Newman, District 1050 Governor, said: “I am delighted that eight of our Rotary Clubs, four from each of our two districts, have so generously donated £1,900 to DAUKI which will provide the resources to enable up to 80 children, to be taught by four teachers, to ensure children get back into the routine of going to school as soon as possible after a disaster.

Derek continued: “This is a great example of Rotary Clubs from different Districts joining forces to effectively provide the resources to help others when disaster strikes.”

Rotarian John Brooker said: “I am so pleased other Rotarians caught the vision that we could make a difference by supporting this worthy cause. I know that when a disaster strikes anywhere in the world there are always likely to be local Rotarians on the ground to advise the Disaster Aid International team on the most effective way to support the victims of the disaster. That is why I’m a Rotarian, Rotary is such a great organisation to be involved in. I hope more people come and join Rotary and catch the vision too.”