Rochdale Responds to Flood Appeal

Council Leader Paul Rowen helps to load up the container

The South East Asia disaster is far from forgotten in Rochdale, with the Mayors outstanding appeal to fill a 40-foot container set for Sri Lankan district of Mullaitivu. Originally organised by Councillors Irene Davidson and Denis Whittle, this appeal was set up to send out the much needed everyday equipment over to the tsunami victims in Sri Lanka.

There was a huge response to the appeal, with over 50 people including the Lib Dem Council Leader, Paul Rowen and Lib Dem MEP Saj Karim helping to load the container with over 400 bags of clothes, hundreds of blankets, an assortment of garden tools and other household items.
 
Dozens of individuals and Rochdale companies contributed and it took careful organisation to fit all the items in.  Leader of Rochdale Council - Cllr. Paul Rowen said, "I would like to thank everyone who made this possible - once again the people of Rochdale have proved so generous.  The container is now on its way to the town of Mullaitivu in Sri Lanka, Mullaitivu has been nominated for aid by one of Rochdale's most respected medical experts - Dr Sam Jegarajah.  Mullaitivu had a population of 8,000 and has seen more than half of its inhabitants killed."
 
The Appeal has proved increasingly popular and there are even talks about sending another container. Councillor Irene Davidson said “it has been such a great turnout, there are definitely talks of another container to be sent out. We gathered 29 bags of donations just between myself and Denis Whittle, plus donations from local businesses. It has been a great success”.

Mayor Angela Coric was delighted with the generosity of the people of Rochdale. “I am overwhelmed by the response that we have had, people have been so, so generous. I must say a big thank you to Irene Davidson and Denis Whittle for starting the appeal; they have worked ever so hard. Also, to all the local businesses in Rochdale that have given generous donations; I am very proud”.

 The container itself was donated by Littleborough Business Alderburgh Ltd. Full to the brim with donations, it was loaded up and sent out to Sri Lanka on Friday 14 January 2005. If you would like to participate in the next appeal contact Rochdale Council on 01706 647474.