AS president of Okehampton Rotary Club I would like to thank those organisations and individuals who have contributed so far towards the provision of Aqua boxes to the disaster victims. These boxes provide clean drinking water that is so desperately needed by the victims of this dreadful natural disaster. As immediate support we have been able to send £1,000 to the appeal already, following the contributions from the Freemason?s Lodge in Okehampton of £500 and St Mary?s Church in Belstone who gave £100 from a Christmas collection. All of this money has been used to buy boxes; no deductions have been made for any administration costs. We will continue to act as a focal point for anybody who wishes to provide funding for this appeal and once the immediate problem has been overcome we will be looking to see what long-term needs are in the areas via Rotary International and local clubs. Naturally, everybody wants things to happen straightaway. It does take time to get the aid to these areas, but as we have all seen on the TV this is now beginning to happen. The Rotary Club of Okehampton will continue to assist with this aid effort and intend to hold a collection in the town on Saturday January 8. But in the meantime if anybody wishes to make a contribution please call into Telecare or Stonelynk Insurance who will ensure that funds are passed to the Rotary Club. John Moppett
