JIMBOOMBA Rotary is hard at work aiding the people of Vanuatu in their recovery from the devastating effects of Cyclone Pam.
Club secretary Des Madgwick said it had already purchased items that would help in the emergency phase of the recovery.
“The ports are still closed so we won’t be able to send a container for a while, but they do need chainsaws to help clean up all the fallen trees and debris so we are organising to buy six chainsaws in Port Villa,” he said.
“Our contact in Port Villa will take them over to the islands for us so they can start cleaning up.”
The club is also organising the purchase of a generator and some fuel, as well as hand tools to aid in the clean-up.
Some members are in the early stages of planning a trip to Vanuatu once the emergency phase of the recovery is over, to offer their help on the ground.
Mr Madgwick said while the days following the storm were concerning with no news from any of their local contacts, the club recently confirmed no one they knew had died.
“It was a real big worry because we’d had no word from them and they had no communication and they couldn’t get to the mainland,” he said.
Mr Madgwick said the club had set up an account for donations to help Vanuatu.
He said it was important people realised all funds donated through Rotary will go directly to helping in the nation's recovery. The club aims to raise $250,000 for the cause.
“We’ve got an account open so if people want to donate money they can if they don’t want to donate items," he said.
“With Rotary we don’t take any administration costs out, so if someone donates $1000 then all the money goes to the people who need it most.
“In Rotary we pay our own way over there and for our accommodations and food so if people donate $10 or $1000 every cent will be spent on the people.”
The club has been helping numerous communities in Vanuatu since 2004.
Mr Madgwick said Jimboomba Rotary aimed to continue to support Vanuatu, particularly through education, long after recovery efforts have disappeared from headlines.
The club is also looking for donations of items and goods in the coming months once the Ports of Vanuatu are open again.
“We’re aiming at the long term because once everyone goes they’re still there and will still need our help," he said.
“They need long term sustainability, so the main focus with the outer islands will be on water security and items that help them to sustain their island lifestyle for their families so they need things like boats for fishing, fishing equipment and gardening equipment.
“We will also be after donations of chainsaws, large tarpaulins, school stationary and whiteboards”
“If anyone has a container, which has to be certified, that we could purchase we’d like them to get in touch with us.”
Jimboomba Rotary has set up an account with QLD Country Credit Union for people wishing to donate. The account details for Jimboomba Rotary’s Vanuatu Appeal are BSB: 704640, Account: 2252596.
If you wish to donate items or help Jimboomba Rotary to help Vanuatu please phone club treasurer John Weir on 5547 7699.