Piers Simon Appeal backs Rotary's Flood Relief appeal in Somerset

THE Piers Simon Appeal has turned its attention much closer to home – donating £1,500 to help with an appeal for those people affected by the flooding in Somerset.

This is the first time that funds from the PSA – which was formed following the death of Chilthorne Domer man Piers Simon in the Asian Tsunami of 2004 – have been used to support a project within the UK.

The PSA funds have, up until now, supported projects for poor, vulnerable and disaster-affected children in developing countries. Rotary District 1200 has been a great supporter of the Piers Simon Appeal and its associated School in a Bag initiative.

PHOTO – TOP: Luke Simon, left, of the Piers Simon Appeal, with Brian Kirkup, of Rotary District 1200.

PHOTO – RIGHT: The Piers Simon Appeal has donated £1,500 towards the Rotary’s Flood Relief Appeal for the Somerset Levels.

So PSA charity liaison officer Luke Simon said they jumped at the chance to be able to reciprocate some of the goodwill and generosity they have been lucky enough to receive from the Rotary in the past.

“The Piers Simon Appeal is only too happy to donate to the Rotary District 1200 'Flood Relief' Appeal to support the excellent work they are doing for the flood victims on the Somerset Levels,” he said.

“We have sent money to water related disaster victims thousands of miles away in Thailand, Pakistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh so in some respects it feels strange to be helping UK victims only ten miles away from home.

“However, excessive water has one thing in common the world over, that is to incapacitate the infrastructure of communities and this is certainly true for those who livelihoods are based on the Somerset Levels.”

District Governor of Rotary 1200, Brian Kirkup, said: “The generosity of the Piers Simon Appeal is much appreciated and will help us in our efforts to get the people affected by the storms in our District back on their feet.

“The relief fund will be used to meet pressing needs where no other financial help is available and Rotary's support will last as long as help is needed, which is likely to be until the end of this calendar year.

“In the unlikely event that the fund is not exhausted, any surplus will be placed in trust ready to meet any future similar emergency in the District. Rotary will create a disaster and resilience committee as part of its future District structure."

Rotarians have been giving physical as well as financial support, for example manning the aid centre, laying paths, removing sandbags, and helping with the clear up.

Rotary clubs are being asked to adopt a number of houses and respond to the householders’ requests with funding for dehumidifiers, power spray equipment, replacing business equipment, replacing goods where insurance does not apply and cleaning materials. 

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