Phuket Rotary continues campaign for Philippines victims

PHUKET: Despite the suffering of those affected by Typhoon Haiyan falling from headlines around the world, the Rotary Club of Patong Beach is continuing its campaign to raise funds through its disaster relief fund.

“It gets harder and harder as it goes along, as it is no longer in the news,” Chairman of International Projects James Domville told the Phuket Gazette this afternoon. “But we’ll keep going until the donations dry up or the situation improves.”

The Rotary Club of Patong Beach’s Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Disaster Relief Fund has raised 338,000 baht in Phuket and has been instrumental in raising donations of 235,000 baht through connections in other countries.

Mr Domville highlighted the importance of local media coverage, pointing out that in one instance Gazette coverage had helped the Rotary Club of Patong secure a large donation of 100,000 baht.

About 160,000 baht of the funds raised have been sent directly to the Disaster Fund of Rotary District 3860, based in the affected area.

“Members there are distributing everything – medicine, food, mosquito nets – you name it,” Mr Domville said.

About 170,000 baht was sent to Disaster Aid Canada for the purchase of “family survival packs”.

“These are boxes with tents, survival gear and water-purification systems for a family of seven,” Mr Domville said.

“We have a very effective and simple way of helping if donations are channeled through our charity fund, as I can immediately transfer funds where they are needed, and it can be done in a day,” he said. “Right now though, we are just waiting for more collections locally to make another transfer of funds.”

Mr Domville asked anyone making a donation to call him on his mobile at 089-872 9156 or email him at beaujeu1@yahoo.com with details of the donations so a receipt can be issued.

Donations to the club can be deposited or transferred to:

Name: Rotary Club of Patong Beach / Charity

Number: 563-3-01480-7

SWIFT code: BKKBTHBK

Bank: Bangkok Bank

Branch: 147 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road, Patong Beach, Amphur Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand