Denis Chanut

The disaster of the Haiti earthquake of 12 January 2010 sparked joint action across the world Rotary community, both at regional and district level. An excellent aid idea came from a Rotary Club in Illinois, which promoted a "Shelter Box" containing basic materials for 10 people: blankets, a tent, water container, pots, plates, cutlery, some tools and various useful items, at a cost of 750 dollars per Box. The former Director of Rotary International, Barry Rassin of Nassau, Bahamas, offered with a Rotary team to coordinate all humanitarian efforts in that country. This ensured that all materials and money sent reached those most in need. Our Club organised a fancy-dress ball on 17 February at the Magic in Playa de las Américas in aid of the Haiti victims. With the proceeds of 3,915€ we paid for five Shelter Boxes to the Rotary Foundation. In addition, on 27 March a charity concert was held at the Santa Cruz auditorium on the initiative of several island Clubs, with a performance by Los Sabandeños in aid of Haiti. Our Club bought tickets worth 615€. This was the main project of that Rotary year.