A CHARITY collection following a deadly natural disaster which killed over 2,000 people has evoked an emotional response on Barmouth’s High Street.

Urgent appeals were recently made for emergency shelter and drinkable water for those affected by the recent Indonesian earthquake and subsequent tsunami in late September.

Following the horrendous 7.5 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami which devastated Indonesia, tens of thousands of people have been left homeless and with no access to clean water.

However, Mawddach Rotary club is doing what it can to help those left with nothing.

Shelterbox, a charity founded by Rotary, is working with the Indonesian Government and Rotary clubs in Indonesia.

Essential equipment such as shelter kits have already been sent. These kits consist of tarpaulins and tool kits as well as water filters and blankets. Shelterbox therefore gives families living out in the open a way to create space to sleep and eat and to feel safe and protected and able to start rebuilding their lives.

Members of the Mawddach Rotary club displayed various items included in the shelterkits outside Barmouth Co-op last weekend.

Photographs from the devastated scene and first hand accounts of families affected were displayed.

Many Co-op customers took time to discuss the Shelterbox kits and to read the personal accounts of the disaster and over £250 was donated.

This, plus £700 donated by the club, will enable Shelterbox to purchase another three shelter kits and three water purification kits.

One Indonesian woman who was visiting Barmouth was struck by the community’s kindness.

“An Indonesian lady and her British husband were moved by seeing the devastation being highlighted in Barmouth and of seeing the generosity of young and old alike in donating to help their plight,” said a spokesperson for the local Rotary Club.

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