Rotary keeps village afloat (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Rotary keeps village afloat

AN Indian village devastated by the Boxing Day tsunami can face the future with confidence thanks to the generosity of Cotswold people.

An appeal by Chipping Campden Rotary Club for donations to buy a new fishing boat and nets for the inhabitants of Nizampatman raised more than £3,000.

The boat, which was presented last month, was one of 33 donated by Rotary's 1,100 district, which includes Campden and the North Cotswolds.

Campden president Mike Taylor said: "Rotary is able to get aid quickly to where it is most needed as it works through its volunteer service club network at the grassroots level to provide aid and assistance to those impacted by disaster.

"We feel it's important for everyone to see that their contributions have been successful in helping those devastated communities to provide for themselves again.

"I was surprised and delighted at the response from the town and Rotary has demonstrated that funds collected can be quickly put to use in a visible manner. The club would like to thank everyone who contributed to the appeal."

The fund-raising appeal got under way on New Year's Eve when collection boxes were soon filled with £1,500. Rotary followed this success with a quiz night that raised a further £400 and over events brought the final total to £3,000.

Overall, Rotary clubs in Britain and Ireland have given more than £6million to the emergency appeal.