FURNESS folk are doing their bit to help the victims of a devastating Italian earthquake which has left more than 250 people dead, including three Britons.
Italy has declared a state of emergency in the worst hit areas after the 6.2-magnitude quake hit in the early hours of Wednesday, around 65 miles north-east of Rome in mountainous central part of the country.
The worst affected towns were Amatrice, Arquata, Accumoli and Pescara del Tronto. The locations are usually sparsely populated but have been swelled by tourists visiting for summer. This is making estimates for the precise number of missing people difficult.
Through donations made in Furness, the Rotary Club of Furness has been able to contribute £1,200 to share between Shelterbox and Aquabox, who are assisting people affected by this disaster and other international crisis.
People who support the Rotary Club of Furness events, such as Tour de Furness and collections, are helping to supply the fundamentals for life water, shelter, sleeping bags, basic cooking facilities, lighting and also items for children.
The Furness club regularly subscribes to both Shelter Box and Aqua Box, organisations which are geared up to help in a disaster. The club contributes about £1,000 each year.
Graham Postlethwaite, secretary Rotary Club of Furness, said: "Our last donation was in November 2015. In view of this current disaster we have agreed another contribution which this year will be £1,200 shared equally between Shelterbox and Aquabox.
"Our local public have contributed to this by supporting us with ventures such as our Tour de Furness.
"Every penny we get goes either back into the community to help local issues and causes or to help those affected by disasters."
The club's big fundraising event, Tour de Furness, is back on Sunday September 11. There are events for all ages and abilities, over five miles, 13 miles, 23 miles and 50 miles.
There are already hundreds of entries and people can register at http://www.tourdefurness.co/register
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