(City of Moonee Valley)
Mayor of Moonee Valley, Cr Shirley Cornish, is calling on the community to join her, fellow Councillors, Council staff and members of Rotary Club at Queens Park on February 12 to remember the lives lost in the Haiti earthquake.
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, killing more than 170,000 people leaving thousands – in the already poorly equipped country – homeless, without shelter, food and water. Mayor Cornish said the devastating earthquakes have touched the Moonee Valley community and she felt a community service was the right thing to do.
“A massive effort is needed around the world to provide aid to those left homeless and without food and clean water.
“The least we can do is remembering those who have perished in the tragedy and support the many people who are over there responding to the immediate aftermath.”
Cr Cornish said the event supported by the YMCA and Bendigo Bank, will be MC’d by popular 3AW host David Mann and include news footage of the disaster and guest speakers. A barbeque will also be provided for a gold coin donation.
“Local members of Rotary Clubs – a service organization dedicated to helping people in our local community and throughout the world – will be present at the service to gain donations and contribute to the world-wide appeal,” Cr Cornish said.
“We hope that those attending can provide a small donation that will enable Rotary to continue their work in Haiti.”
She said Rotary have already sent 3000 emergency shelters to Haiti – Shelterboxes – giving people who have lost their homes to temporary accommodation to assist them in rebuilding their lives.
“Since 2001, Shelterbox has provided shelter, warmth and dignity following 80 disasters in more than 50 countries thereby assisting more than 800,000 people.”
“Each ShelterBox supplies an extended family of up to ten people with a tent and lifesaving equipment to use for up to twelve months while they are displaced or homeless. The contents are tailored depending on the nature of the disaster.”
Mayor Cornish said she was happy to work with an organisation such as Rotary to raise more funds to go towards helping the people of Haiti rebuild their lives.
“It only takes a small amount to support Haiti’s recovery and will also allow the many volunteers to continue to help support earthquake victims,” she said.
Service details:
Friday, 12 February, 6.30-7.30pm, Queens Park, 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds.
For donations:
The Australian Rotary Foundation Trust is accepting donations for the Haiti relief effort. Please send cheques to PO Box 1415, Parramatta NSW, 2124. Make cheques out to The Australian Rotary Foundation Trust
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