Disaster appeal funds rise

Mon 22nd February 2010 4.29PM

STOCKPORT’S charity workers are reporting a dramatic increase in donations in response to the Haiti Charity Appeal. The Treasurer of Bramhall and Woodford Rotarians, Graham Yule, said: “Our collection boxes contain many more £1 and £2 coins and notes than usual and no one seems to be refusing.” Pupils at Lady Barn House School responded generously raising four times the expected figure when they were asked to bring in just a pound. Deputy Headmaster Dan Slade said: “We had budgeted for £440, one pound for every child in the school, but we raised £1635.” There was a similar response at Bramhall High School, which raised over £1800.

The Rotarians are sending 14 special Shelter Boxes, which contain a tent and living essentials including water purifiers, groundsheets, a cooker, utensils, cutlery, tools and other essentials to the disaster appeal. Mr Yule said: “The boxes are always ready to be sent at a moment’s notice in the event of a crisis and we have already seen them being used in the television pictures from Haiti. “Our funds go to send additional boxes to reach the many that are still in dire need of shelter.”

Mr Slade added: “The impetus for the charity event came from the boys and girls on the School Council who have clearly been moved by the pictures coming from Haiti, particularly those of the children their own age.”