Bloggers for Haiti

As I've found out in the last 6 months, the Blogging world can be a wonderful place, full of unselfish, loving & giving people from all walks of life. Of course, the giving is normally more about sharing advice, invaluable support and very often, a place to have a cry or good old belly laugh with other blogging friends.

But sometimes, and this is one of those times, it needs to get serious....and we should take a moment to step out of our own busy, hectic lives living with toddlers, children, teens and all that brings, and try to envisage, just for that moment, losing absolutely everything...
I find it difficult to, so I can't even imagine what the reality must be like..

English Mum and some blogging friends have created a Justgiving page for the Haiti disaster

The aim is to raise enough money for one of these ShelterBoxes, which cost about £500.


ShelterBox is such a unique organisation, because what they provide is an entire rescue kit in a box. Each box contains:

• A ten-person tent with privacy partitions that allow its occupants to divide the space as they see fit
• A range of other survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, essential in areas where temperatures plummet at nightfall
• Life-saving means of water purification. Water supplies often become contaminated after a major disaster, as infrastructure and sanitation systems are destroyed, this presents a secondary but no less dangerous threat to survivors than the initial disaster itself.
• A basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters. These items enable people to improve their immediate environment, by chopping firewood or digging a latrine, for example. Then, when it is possible, to start repairing or rebuilding the home they were forced to leave.
• A wood burning or multi-fuel stove that can burn anything from diesel to old paint. This provides the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate. In addition, there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers.
• Each box can be adapted to the individual needs of the disaster area, for example, following the Javanese earthquake in 2006, when some resources were available locally or could be salvaged from one storey buildings, the overwhelming need was for shelter – so ShelterBox just sent tents, packing two in each box. The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past – from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newly born baby.
• And lastly, but I think just as importantly, each box contains a children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens. For children who have lost most, if not all, of their possessions, these small gifts are treasured.

So, if you're reading this, and you feel the need, please give. Any amount however small or large.
In the words of English Mum "....and whats a tenner?...a bottle of wine? – or two if you drink crappy ones like me"...her mum seems to know all the 'in' places to get the cheap wine!! So all round to hers then....

A small donation from me won't change my life, nor yours, but it can and will make a difference to theirs...

http://www.justgiving.com/Bloggers-For-Haiti

::UPDATE:: The current amount stands at £875... Woop! Woop! Way to go bloggers.....