Following the devastation and catastrophic effects arising from one of the fiercest ever typhoons (Haiyan) that hit the Philippines recently, Rotarians from Rotary in Caterham swung into action. In a matter of four days they put together a plan of action to hold a collection in Caterham Valley and this included the securing of the necessary licences from Tandridge District Council and Church Walk Shopping Centre. 

Graham Woodcock, President of Caterham Harestone Rotary said: “Early on Saturday 16th November our team braved the weather and after erecting a display they began collecting in teams of five throughout the day with their yellow buckets in order to secure much needed funds to purchase four Shelterboxes.”

Shelterbox is a global project charity partner with Rotary providing emergency supplies to disaster areas.   Each box contains a tent and supplies to keep an extended family alive for up to three months.  Full details are available from www.shelterbox.org A total amount of just over £2,870 was collected. This was the largest amount the Rotarians had ever collected in one single day and Peter Lyons President of Caterham Rotary Club said:   “A big thank you goes to the people of Caterham who gave so generously to help relieve the poor, suffering victims of this dreadful disaster. Nothing can compensate for the tremendous losses of life and property that they have endured but it will do much to alleviate their immediate needs.”

Both Peter and Graham also praised the support that Rotary in Caterham received from Tandridge District Council and from Shelley Filippi the Church Walk Centre Manager in helping to set everything up on the day.