Two years ago today, an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale hit Haiti, claiming thousands of people and destroying communities.
The tremors hit Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. Rotary clubs in Great Britain and Ireland leapt into action, resulting in one of the largest fundraising responses.
Thanks to the generosity of the public, Rotarians raised an incredible £3m in the first three months of 2010 for Rotary-supported boxes including ShelterBox, Water Survival Box and Aquabox.
Just as quickly, work began on creating long-term solutions. The Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland (RIBI) Donations Trust set up a fund specifically for Haiti, which will only be used to support sustainable projects that go beyond immediate needs.
Work is continuing to help restore communities, enabling a return for families to their place of origin or set up homes in a new location they have identified. Residual stocks of tents and emergency equipment have been distributed to these displaced families to help them to finally start to rebuild their lives.
