ROTARIANS in Dawlish are supporting an urgent call for help by Shelterbox following the devastating earthquake in Venezuela.

The international committee of Dawlish Water Rotary Club is continuing its support to the Cornwall-based charity after the earthquake which comes amid other continuing outbreaks of natural and manmade disasters.

Currently, ShelterBox is urgently concentrating on getting emergency aid to the stricken areas of Caracas in Venezuela, hit by two earthquakes, leaving thousands homeless and thousands missing.

But continued bombing of Lebanon by the Israelis has made an estimated one million people homeless and killed hundreds of civilians - many women and children.

ShelterBox has been able to respond.

Collective shelters like schools have run out of space so support is focusing on household items like bedding and mattresses, hygiene kits, kitchen ware clothing and solar lights.

ShelterBox is working closely with local organisations and Rotary but more help is needed

Meanwhile support is being give to up to 3,000 families (15,000 people) with emergency shelter and other essential items such as tarpaulins, shelter repair kits, solar lights, mosquito nets and blankets following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Philippines in early June. Rotary has again been involved in distribution.

In May, a fire swept through the Kalshi settlement in Dhaka, Bangladesh destroying over 600 structures, leaving thousands of people homeless and without their livelihoods.

ShelterBox is working with Uttaran, its national partner in Bangladesh, to support families with emergency solutions such as roofing materials, tarpaulins, timber and fixings, in order to provide protection from the elements, as well as household items like bedding and kitchen sets.

A fresh “Stock the Box” campaign has been promoted by ShelterBox. Items distributed from local stores need to be replenished promptly.

This launch was accompanied by a doubling offer from a benefactor, but only for a limited time.

Donations can be made at shelterbox.org/donate

Over the last 25 years ShelterBox has provided vital supplies and shelter to more than 3 million people; more than half of them women and girls.