Date: August 21, 2007
Community and Government Affairs
City of Lake Forest Park
206-368-5440
News Release
Help Victims of the Peru Earthquake
The Shoreline and Lake Forest Park Rotary clubs are working to provide assistance to the earthquake victims of the Pisco, Peru. On Wednesday, August 15, an 8.0 magnitude earthquake hit southern Peru leaving hundreds dead, thousands injured and more than 82,000 people homeless. Thousands of people are sleeping on the streets in the cold, as it is winter in Peru.
On Sunday, August 26, at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, Rotary Club members will be collection donations of non-perishable food, bottled water, blankets, tents and sleeping bags, toiletry items, first aid items and tool such as shovels and picks. The clubs are coordinating their efforts to help the Consulate of Peru in Seattle to fill a container to ship to Peru as soon as possible.
The Rotary clubs of Shoreline have been involved in a water project in Peru for several years. In June 2006, 16 Rotarians and their families traveled to Peru to finish the work of providing potable water to three communities in Peru.
Rotary members have completed construction of a medical clinic and have supported the community school by providing school supplies, uniforms desks chairs, audio and video equipment. Gordon Welsh a Shoreline Rotarian and his wife Elsa, who is from Peru, have traveled to Peru several times to coordinate this project.
"The devastation of the earthquake is magnified by the cold winter weather. Pisco residents are living without shelter and badly need food, water and basic medical supplies. Local Rotary Clubs are working with members of the community and joining efforts with the Peruvian Consulate in Seattle to ensure that aid reaches the people with the most need,” said Elsa Welsh.
The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is open on Sunday between 11 am and 4 pm at 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park. Donations of relief items and checks payable to: SHORELINE ROTARY FOUNDATION-Earthquake Relief can also be left at Lake Forest Park City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park.
