THERE has been an amazing response to the Rotary Club of Tavistock's fundraising drive to help the victims of the Burma cyclone disaster. More than £2,600 was raised during a Bedford Square collection over two days last week, which has paid for at least five of the 1,600 ShelterBoxes that have now been sent to the disaster area. The club's head of international affairs, John Moreton, said it had been 'an amazing response'. 'Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who contributed. When we were certain the ShelterBox Trust had its own men inside Burma and was working with the fire brigade to distribute the boxes, we felt the time was right to start collecting. 'We thought £1,000 would be a good target figure, but because of the extent of the casualty number and severe damage, people have said they seem unable to help in any other way than to contribute to this organisation, which will attempt to relieve some of the suffering and help with survival,' Mr Moreton said. Rotary International's ShelterBox Trust has already sent out two consignments of boxes, which contain a tent, sleeping bags, cooking utensils and water purification equipment sufficient for ten people for up to three months. It hopes to send more as donations come in. Anyone wishing to contribute can send cheques, payable to the Rotary Club of Tavistock, to treasurer Peter Barron, at 16 Church Lea, Whitchurch, PL19 9PS, or drop them in at the Mayflower Galleries in West Street.
