Aquabox

PRESS RELEASE!

"Aquabox has already sent Aquaboxes to the people of the Solomon Islands affected by the recent Tsunami"

"AP - Diarrhoea has broken out among children huddled in camps of tsunami survivors in the Solomon Islands, according to a Red Cross official."

The need for clean water is so great that we have sent our remaining stock all within 48 hours.

We are now replenishing our stocks which means we need more support from you, your family, your school, club or workplace.

We are also looking for other Clubs in all Districts to be involved with the Aquabox project and we would also like Rotary Clubs in South East Asia to partner with us so that if there is a disaster in their area we can work together to provide emergency relief.

If you would like to make a donation, a standard Aquabox costs $125.00 and an Aquabox 30 costs $750.00.

Yesterday I went down to Yogya with Stefan, the paramedic and a few others. It was mainly assessing work around the Imogiri area. We had had a few leads of small villages in need, but their immediate wants in terms of food and medical were all pretty well covered for the next month or so.

Emmy and a big mob of them had gone out the day before to a different area with similar results, but had the added frustration of it being Sunday, and the tourists were all out with their cameras and 2 boxes of instant noodles. At least yesterday Monday we didn't have that. I think that we all agree that our role has to change quickly. Rather than rushing around the country giving aid to the needy, we need to concentrate on a specific area and their requirements. So today Stefan has taken my car and gone to South Klaten area, a really badly hit area that is also well off the beaten track.

There are 4 significant villages there - Dengkeng, Karangturi and 2 others whose names I have forgotten. Stefan and Co are talking to all the village heads, and getting lists of what they want. We will then look through these, and see what we can do to help them. Our emphasis now is on providing them with tools and materials that they request so that they can help themselves.

What can Rotary do, apart from the great work you have already done? Firstly, it would be great if you could provide a gathering point for any donations. We haven't really solicited any donations yet, because we need to do a plan first. But friends and relatives keep sending money anyway. Secondly, we should have a plan of what we are going to do within a day or two. And maybe there will specific things that Rotary can help us with.

I know for instance that the water filters are in demand, albeit after a fairly slow start. Once we explained what they were and how they worked, people wanted them. So it seems we are in this for a lot longer than I thought initially. Rather than just one week, I can see it going on for some months at least.