Desperate need for shelter in Fiji after Cyclone Winston

Cyclone Winston hit the islands of Fiji on February 20^th and was the most powerful storm ever recorded in the South Pacific, with winds over 285 km/hr, torrential rain and 12m waves. The cyclone left 42 dead, buildings flattened and crops destroyed. Hundreds of thousands were affected, and 97 schools were damaged or destroyed. A state of natural disaster was declared by the Fiji Government, and they put a call out for international aid.

 

The United Nations estimates that as many as 350,000 people may have been affected, over a third of the Fijian population. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also says that access to fresh water remains a particular concern. 67,000 Fijians had been suffering drought conditions in January due to El Nino, and most of them live in the corridor affected by the cyclone.

 

ShelterBox has been responding since the Cyclone hit, utilizing prepositioned stock in Fiji as well as New Zealand and Australia. Our ShelterBox Response teams have already been able to deliver tents and ShelterBoxes to families on six remote islands.  Canadian SRT, Ron Noseworthy (Member and Past President of The Rotary Club of Kenora) was recently deployed to deliver aid to families after the storm.

 

More aid is on the way, including 2,000 solar lights that will provide light and safety to communities without power, and 2000 complete ShelterBoxes, but it’s not enough. There are still many tiny islands too remote to have received help. We need your support to send more aid to assist families who have lost everything after the storm.

 

The Youth Exchange Students in District 5360 are embracing the Rotary value of Service Above Self. These students have come from around the world, including many from countries that have experienced disasters where families have been saved by the support of Rotary and ShelterBox. 

 

On April 9 the students are hosting a dinner to raise funds in support of ShelterBox.  Much of what they raise will likely be used to help the families of Fiji.  It only works with your support.  For tickets please contact a YEX student or Ron Prokosh Rprokosch@prokoschgroup.com 403-651-1722.

 

 

 

Thank you!

 

Email: support@shelterboxcanada.org  Phone: 647-352-1930 www.shelterboxcanada.org