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Scout response to Haiti disaster gathers pace
21/01/2010
Following the devastating earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Scouts from the UK and around the world have been responding through fundraising and action to help the victims.
We share just a few of the reports from Scouts who have responded.
Gang Show brings it forward
In Northamptonshire, the organisers of the Wellingborough Gang Show have brought forward a £500 donation to disaster relief charity ShelterBox. They had planned to raise the money during their production, which takes place in March.The musical show, which is currently in rehearsals, contains an item that pays tribute to the work done by ShelterBox, bringing shelter warmth and dignity to people who have lost everything.
The show’s producer, Peter Morrall said ‘The need is so great now that it cannot wait until March. I never thought that what we had planned for the show would be so important to the people of Haiti, and I hope it’s not too late.’
Cast member Amanda has been affected by the events of the past week, adding ‘I was lucky enough to go to the last World Scout Jamboree where I met many Scouts from around the world. When you hear of such terrible things happening in Haiti you want to help, and by sending this ShelterBox you feel that at least one or two families will be better off.’
Thousands of ShelterBoxes are being sent to Haiti, and the first tents to arrive have been immediately put to use by hospitals in the capital to provide emergency shelter for post surgery patients. Doctors fear the number of people needing amputations could spiral into the thousands.
For the latest information on the aid effort, visit the ShelterBox website.
Fast aid
In Cumbria, Ayers Explorer Scout Unit are holding a 24-hour sponsored fast for Haiti. The Unit were quick to send a donation to the Haiti Solidarity Fund when news of the quake broke last week, but members of the Unit were keen to do more.Explorer Scout Leader Eddie Ward said ‘Stories of people surviving after being trapped for eight days without food are truly amazing. By suffering in a very small way by going without food, we’ll be thinking of our brother and sister Scouts in Haiti, and raising some money to support them in their amazing efforts.'
The Scouts of Haiti Solidarity appeal has been set up to help the Scouts of Haiti continue their aid effort and assist in the rehabilitation of the country. You can donate to the appeal via the World Scout Bureau.
World of support
These are just two examples of the large level of support offered by Scouts to Haiti.
The 1st Rhosnesi Scouts in Wrexham are sleeping rough outside their Scout meeting place this weekend to raise money.
Staff at the UK Headquarters in Gilwell Park organised a collection for ShelterBox which has so far raised over £900.
In the United States, Scouts have been collecting tents and other emergency supplies to ship to the island. Girl Scouts have raised money for the Mercy Corps.
In Canada, all Scouts were encouraged to give one week’s subs money to the aid effort.
French Scouts who were in the country when the earthquake happened have been working round the clock to help the victims, offering first aid and transporting medical supplies.
Donate
Donations can be sent to:
World Scout Bureau - Haïti Solidarity
UBS - CP 2600 - 1211 Geneva 2 - Switzerland
IBAN : CH980024024039633710T
SWIFT : UBSWCHZH80A
Or donate online here
The Scout Association also has several partner charity's working in Haiti:
ShelterBox are dispatching a team and thousands of ShelterBoxes to the area. Find out how you can help ShelterBox and take up the ShelterBox Challenge.
SOS Children have been established in Haiti since 1978 providing support for children orphaned by AIDS, tropical storms, unrest and poverty related disease. They have established an emergency programme to provide direct support to victims of the earthquake. Find out how you can support SOS Children.
Get in touch
If you are doing anything to fundraise for the Haiti aid effort, please let us know about it by emailing web.team@scout.org.uk
Links
Support for Haiti Scouts
World Scouting appeal
ShelterBox
SOS Children
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