Sunrise Rotary Helping Turkey and Syria Earthquake Recovery

The Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise announced today it is funding a donation of a Shelter Box to help those in need after the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. More than 36,000 people have been killed and thousands of homes destroyed by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria February 6, 2013.

Sunrise Rotary is arranging the Shelter Box by donating $1,000 through Rotary International’s partnership with the Shelter Box organization. A Shelter Box is a large, rugged green container that includes a family sized tent designed to withstand the elements, insulated sleeping mats and blankets, solar lights, water storage and purification equipment and cooking utensils. They are designed to provide immediate shelter for those rendered homeless by a catastrophe. The Shelter Box organization will arrange delivery to the area of need specified by Sunrise Rotary.

Bill Morris, President of Sunrise Rotary explained, “Rotary International and Shelter Box partner to provide a place of refuge for people during a time when they face uncertainty about almost every aspect of their lives. A Shelter Box contains everything needed to provide shelter for as many as 10 people.” Delivery of the boxes is often coordinated through Rotary clubs in the delivery area to make sure local needs are best met.

Sunrise Rotary is not only donating a Shelter Box through Rotary International, but also asking for donations to fund additional boxes. Morris said “we hope Marco Islanders will donate so we can fund additional relief. We will put together all of the donations we receive and send as many boxes as we can fund.”

Donations should be made payable to Marco Island Rotary Club Sunrise with notation “For Shelter Boxes” and either delivered to Morris at 247 N. Collier Blvd, Suite 202, Marco Island, FL 34145 or mailed to Sunrise Rotary at P.O. Box 1427, Marco Island, FL 34146.

The Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise is a diverse group with focus on local businesses and community service. It is comprised of a cross-section of the Marco Island area community, and new members are welcome. It meets at Stonewall’s American Bistro on Tuesday mornings at 7:00 a.m. To become a Rotarian or for further information about the Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise and its activities, please contact Bill Morris at wgm@wgmorrislaw.com or visit the Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise website at www.marcoislandsunriserotary.org.