A Rotary display was arranged
at Pacifica 2014 in Auckland which has the largest Pacific Island population in
the world. It was manned by members and supporters of the 9920 and 9910 Rotary
Clubs of Newmarket, Otahuhu, Ellerslie Sunrise and Western Springs.
An ERK and its contents were displayed along with
videos of cyclone impact which drives the need for emergency responses.
Over 18,000 people visited over two days. There was
good interest in the ERK and its contents, as well as interest in Rotary.
ERKs have become the preferred
Disaster Response Kit in the Pacific Islands. They are now prepositioned in
larger Pacific islands.
An ERK costs NZ$600 to supply
and deliver. Each ERK holds over 60 items packed in a 78-litre
container which can be used to treat drinking water. There are also purifying
tablets for this purpose. With a little ingenuity, families can create a
shelter from tarpaulins using the hammer and nails provided. There’s a folding
shovel for digging trenches. Food is key, so there’s fishing gear, a hunting
knife, and cooking equipment. As well as basic clothing, there are bed covers
for warmth. Maintaining hygiene and treating minor injuries is important too,
so a medical pack is included with basic items such as soap, painkillers and
antiseptic cream.
An ERKs raffle for a trip for
two to Rarotonga, Cook Islands was organised and promoted at Pacifica and
across NZ Rotary clubs. The prize was kindly donated by Stars Travel Auckland.
The raffle winner was Stew Wadey from the Rotary Club of Matamata.
Over $11,000 was raised for
ERKs from 95 clubs across NZ, including $1500 raised at Pacifica.
