(THE CANADIAN PRESS, AP, Khalil Hamra)

By Ben Tompkins

7.8 magnitude earthquake

Melfort Rotary Club helping with relief efforts for Turkey and Syria

Feb 7, 2023 | 4:31 PM

After a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit parts of Turkey and Syria on Monday, the northeast area has decided to take action and help with relief efforts.

The Melfort Rotary Club has made a call out to locals asking for donations to help survivors deal with the tragic natural disaster.

Death totals have reached the 7,000 mark and continue to rise, as more and more people are found.

The local club is sending $1,200 of its own money to ShelterBox Canada, which sets up temporary shelters for those in need.

The box includes a tent, which can house 10 to 12 people, tools, which can make, create, construct and fix damaged places, pots for cooking, a stove, fuel, flashlights, and an emergency water kit for sterilizing water.

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About $1,200 is the cost of an entire box.

Melfort Rotary Club president, Gailmarie Anderson, told northeastNOW they never shy away from helping ShelterBox.

“Rotary International, Rotary Canada and Rotary in Melfort always respond when there is a need for ShelterBox in the wake of any disaster. It has a top priority when entering any of the countries where disasters have taken place… they’re already on-site in Turkey and they go immediately to do an assessment to see where they’re able to help.”

Now, the onus is on northeast Saskatchewan to help the local club, and help those halfway around the world.

Anderson added this is a way to do what you can, while never even having to leave home.

“You need to have sympathy for your fellow man and want to help out in any way you can. Obviously, we’re not going to be going to Turkey or Syria to be on the ground with health workers or whatever, but this is one way that we can contribute to having those people that can deal with the disaster, having them there and helping the displaced people.”

Donations can be sent by mail to Box 3541 (postal code S0E 1A0) in Melfort, they can be dropped off at the Melfort and District Museum, or Brian Cocks will come and pick them up, should you phone him with your information at 306-752-3760.

Tax receipts will also be issued when a postal address or email address is included with any donation over $20.

Anderson finished up by saying how well the area has responded to similar situations like these, in the past.

“At Rotary International, the motto is service above self, and we try to help people all over the world… so if we can assist in any way possible, we are very grateful to people for their concern and for their donations,” she said.

It was also announced earlier today that Canada will be sending $10 million to the two countries, as part of an initial aid package.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8