Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

Following news of the extent of the damage as a result of the recent earthquakes in Japan, Enniskillen Rotarians decided to organise a Charity Breakfast in order to raise funds to cover the cost of at least 5 Shelter Boxes for the victims.

Minamisanriku, north of Sendai, where there is complete devastation

Photo by Lasse Petersen

The event was planned for Friday 1st April at the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen from 7:30 am to 10:30 am. Over 350 invitations were sent to local businesses and individuals. On the morning, 88 local people attended the Breakfast. Many others, while not able to attend, kindly sent donations.

Those who were able to come on the day enjoyed a fabulous meal and received an up to date report from Julian Fowler (BBC correspondent) on the situation on the ground in Japan. To date, the event has raised £1,865 after costs.

Our thanks to everyone who attended or sent donations. Thanks also to the management and staff of the Killyhevlin Hotel for their hospitality and practical support.

Local government authorities in Japan's Iwate Prefecture have requested 500 ShelterBoxes to provide emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families who lost their homes in the tsunami.

The request came via the local Rotary district and is initially for 100 ShelterBoxes for each of the following five cities: Miyako, Yamadamachi, Kamaishi, Rikuzentakata and Ofunato.

The ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) operating in the country are working in cooperation with the British Embassy, British military personnel and the US military to overcome the logistical challenges they are facing. It is a seven-hour journey by road from Tokyo to the Iwate Prefecture and with fuel shortages, heavy snow, freezing temperatures and the ongoing nuclear situation there are a range of obstacles to overcome in order to ensure aid reaches the families who need it most.

A report on the situation on the ground in Japan is now available on the shelterbox website.

Any club or organisation wishing to raise money for one shelterbox (approximately £500.-) may get in contact with rotarian Bob Baird by using the contact form on this website.