SEQUIM — Sequim Sunrise Rotary members have responded to the Philippines typhoon disaster by contributing $8,300 for ShelterBox assistance.
ShelterBox is an international disaster-relief organization that provides humanitarian assistance in the form of a disaster-relief tent for an extended family, a stove, blankets and a water filter, in addition to other tools for survival.
Sequim Sunrise has been a supporter of this program since its beginning in the U.S. in 2005.
Since that time, Sequim Sunrise members have contributed more than $120,000 for disasters around the world.
Sunrise members said they believe this is more than any of the more than 7,500 Rotary clubs in the U.S.
Two members of the club, Tom Schaafsma and Scott Robinson, are response team members and accompanied boxes to set up tents and train others how to use the equipment.
Both Schaafsma and Robinson have been to more than 10 countries.
The local ambassador for ShelterBox, Rotarian Jim Pickett, has led fundraising efforts in Western Washington that have resulted in donations from Rotarians in excess of $200,000.
In 2012, Pickett was named Ambassador of the Year for ShelterBox USA.
All seven Rotary clubs in Clallam and Jefferson counties have supported this effort, as have many citizens and other service organizations.
Learn more about ShelterBox or make a tax-deductible donation online at www.shelter
boxusa.org. Donations in any amount also can be made for ShelterBox by sending a check to SSRF (Sequim Sunrise Rotary Foundation) indicating ShelterBox on the “For” line.
Mail the tax-deductible check to Sequim Sunrise Rotary, P.O. Box 1521, Sequim, WA 98382.