Today, please spare a thought for the hundreds of thousands of people in Haiti who have been affected by the earthquake.
I can’t even begin to imagine what they are going through. I am reaching out to you, my readers, and asking for your help.
The lovely Englishmum set up a Bloggers for Haiti Just Giving page here first thing this morning.
Initially we wanted to make enough money to send a shelter box to Haiti. Each shelter box costs an average of £490 (Based on six months use only this equates to 27 pence per person per day). As this post goes live the total in the fund is already at £295, maybe, just maybe, we could raise enough to send two boxes.
ShelterBox is such a unique organisation, because what they provide is an entire rescue kit in a box. Each box contains:
- A ten-person tent with privacy partitions that allow its occupants to divide the space as they see fit
- A range of other survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, essential in areas where temperatures plummet at nightfall
- Life-saving means of water purification. Water supplies often become contaminated after a major disaster, as infrastructure and sanitation systems are destroyed, this presents a secondary but no less dangerous threat to survivors than the initial disaster itself.
- A basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters. These items enable people to improve their immediate environment, by chopping firewood or digging a latrine, for example. Then, when it is possible, to start repairing or rebuilding the home they were forced to leave.
- A wood burning or multi-fuel stove that can burn anything from diesel to old paint. This provides the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate. In addition, there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers.
- Each box can be adapted to the individual needs of the disaster area, for example, following the Javanese earthquake in 2006, when some resources were available locally or could be salvaged from one storey buildings, the overwhelming need was for shelter – so ShelterBox just sent tents, packing two in each box. The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past – from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newly born baby.
- And lastly, but I think just as importantly, each box contains a children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens. For children who have lost most, if not all, of their possessions, these small gifts are treasured.
Please visit the Bloggers for Haiti Just Giving page.
Thank you for reading.
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English Mum on January 16, 2010
Haha I didn’t even know about JustGiving until you told me – take some credit why don’t you!! Great post – two boxes would be fab wouldn’t it?!
Dulwich divorcee on January 16, 2010
Aha, we’ll have to call you Dos Boxes now instead of Dos Bread! Fab post Xx
Crystal Jigsaw on January 16, 2010
It breaks ones heart to think of those children having lost everything. A few crayons and colouring books will most probably put a smile on a face for days.
CJ xx
Rosie Scribble on January 16, 2010
Brilliant Laura. The total donated as I type this is £395 which is fantastic. It is great we can use our blogs to help support those who really need it right now. xx
Jo Beaufoix on January 16, 2010
Siggghhhhh, you could even be Laura Dosbreadbox. Fab post babe. When I see you next I will squeeze you. x
English Mum on January 16, 2010
£1020!!! Laura Dos Boxes indeed!! Seriously thanks for your help xx
ThatGirl39 on January 17, 2010
Well done for helping to start this off… it was a fabulous idea. When I read what it was all about from the detail in your post, there was no option but to join in! This mornings total is fantastic… Tres boxes Por Favor! xx
Eclipse on January 17, 2010
Its a great idea! I saw the boxes myself at a local French Farmer’s Market when I was back in the UK. It really struck me how incredibly well thought out they were. I’ve written about it on my blog too. But can you remind people to agree to the GiftAid option if they are from the UK because then HM Revenues and customs will also donate the equivalent of the the basic tax rate on the donation.
Gigi (MumsRock) on January 17, 2010
Great post. Brilliant initiative. WIll go to Justgiving page …..Now!
x
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