THE community of Okehampton and surrounding villages this week pulled together to raise money for the victims of the Haiti earthquake disaster, described by Okehampton mayor David Weekes as 'a crying shame and tragedy in one of the poorest countries'.

The fundraising effort comes after hundreds of thousands of people died, with many still trapped without food, water or aid, after the earthquake struck on Tuesday, January 12.

Businesses, residents and organisations in and around the town have been working hard to raise money for the cause.

Okehampton Rotary Club sent two more ShelterBoxes worth £1,000 for the victims of the disaster.

This figure brings the total donation to an equivalent of six boxes that the club has sent to ShelterBox since October 2009.

President of Okehampton Rotary Club, Mike Macklin, said: 'We felt we wanted to send what we could without delay, with such a pressing need for emergency shelter provision.

'Okehampton Rotary Club has a money collection point situated in Okehampton Post Office.

'So if anyone wants to give direct to ShelterBox, they just need go to the post office and I'd urge them to give what they can to this urgent need.

'With so many homes destroyed, immediate shelter and essential equipment is vitally important for the survivors.'

Some 930 ShelterBoxes have already been dispatched and are en route to Haiti, while another 1,000 are being packed at ShelterBox HQ in Helston by a team of volunteers. 

Each ShelterBox contains vital equipment for use in an emergency such as mosquito nets, water containers and water purifying equipment, a custom-designed ten-person tent, blankets, stove, cooking equipment and a tool kit.

Chairman of Okehampton Chamber of Trade, Ian Bailey said: 'It's amazing when you see what's inside these boxes.

'They cost so much money because so much can fit into them and it's great that Okehampton gets involved.

'People want to do their bit and the town always responds.'

Mayor of Okehampton Cllr David Weekes said: 'It's great that organisations from Okehampton are helping.

'Anybody can do what they can and every little helps — it's good we have people in Okehampton that are making the effort, such as the Rotary Club and Rapid UK who are doing their bit to make things easier for the the people of Haiti.'

Okehampton and District Lions Club has pledged £500 to help support the relief efforts of Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).

President of Okehampton Lions Club, Mick Jones, said: 'Lions are committed to bringing aid to those impacted by the earthquake in Haiti.

'Through support from people in our community, our club and LCIF we will be able to help so many more.'

Graham Payne of Jacobstowe, founder the emergency rescue organisation Rapid UK, said volunteers have been in Haiti since the disaster struck.

Graham said: 'We've been very successful out there and are doing all we can.

'We have a large team carrying out rescues and when the rescue stage finishes, we will move onto the relief stage.

'Rapid UK depend on the general public to keep going, so any donations would be greatly appreciated.'

Okehampton College will also be raising money towards the appeal.

Assistant principal at Okehampton College, Jean Harris, said the college would do all they could to help.

She said: 'We have a well-organised charitable collection system.

'Students will be having a tin collection and will have a non-uniform day this week when we hope to raise around £1000.

'Students at the college really want to do something that can make a difference and contribute to help those in Haiti.

'On occasions like this the students really pull together and are very generous towards the needs of others.'

Manager of Oxfam in West Devon, Jacky Theobald, said: 'We've had a huge response in Okehampton, people have been very positive and generous.

'Oxfam already works in Haiti and this year it was the shop's special charity, so we have been raising money for Haiti before this.

'People say they always want to do something to help — well actually they can.

'They may not be able to physically get out there or even give money, but they can still help by donating items or even volunteering at our shop.'

Outside Okehampton, chairman of Exbourne Village Hall, Lorraine Aagaard, said: 'It's great that everybody seems to be pulling together in a time of need.

'The community of Exbourne are holding a jumble sale and we hope to make as much money as possible and all proceeds will go towards Haiti.'

The jumble sale will be held on Saturday, January 23 at 2.15pm at Exbourne village hall.

Entry costs 30p.

How to donate

DONORS can assist Lions Club members on the ground in Haiti and the Lions Clubs International Foundation in responding to this disaster with a designated donation to LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund.

To donate online, visit http://www.lcif.org/donate">www.lcif.org/donate and select Disaster.

Please include LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief in the comments' section.

Cheques can be made payable to Lions Clubs International Foundation, noting LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief in the memo field, to LCIF, 300 W 22nd St, Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA, Attn: Donor Services.

To donate to Rapid UK phone Graham Payne on 01837 851443.