Pulling Together in Lombok

By Josephine De Freitas

Extract from email from William Grut regarding our contribution to Lombok :

The Indonesian island of Lombok was shaken by two strong earthquakes, after weeks of tremors that have killed hundreds of people. The island has been rocked by hundreds of quakes and tremors since 29 July.Aug 19, 2018

Rose Charities Canada raised $650 for the Lombok relief effort. . Even though our Canadian contribution was small it was part of a really well coordinated Rose Charities relief effort where we raised funds in Canada, UK and Bali. Everyone worked together with lots of volunteers and local support and we were able to make a difference. We listened to local victims and supplied what they most needed: Food (oil, rice,) lighting, water, shelter materials, blankets, rain protection and lots more local stuff was taken directly in in coordination with other groups. The destruction was considerable (much bigger than was reported in the Canadian media I saw) and needs great and continuing. Local people helped in distribution and identifying what was needed. Khalid, our wonderful volunteer from UK, then immediately organized a series of fund-raising events in Bali (neighbouring island) to tap into the big tourist trade. These were bar/disco/ restaurant events , which were very successful and boosted the efforts. In short it was REAL ground level emergency relief, taking exactly what was needed directly to where it was needed, hands-on. People were helped in their needs almost immediately, there and then. Khalid and his colleagues ran a model operation and charged absolutely no administrative costs, donating their time and air fares etc. I am very proud for it to be linked to our name of Rose.