THE people of Weymouth have been thanked for their 'huge generosity' after £3,000 was raised towards supporting disaster relief services in Turkey and Syria. 

Weymouth Rotary began collecting money for the countries of Turkey and Syria which suffered tens of thousands of fatalities after earthquakes hit the region, bringing buildings to the ground as well as causing widespread disruption and heartache.

It is reported that nearly 50,000 people across the two countries have lost their lives.

Weymouth Rotary President, David Langridge, said: “Once again, the locals of the town have shown huge generosity in their donations and we wanted to provide more opportunities for people to give money in the coming days – either with spare cash or by contactless card – if they wish.

"We’re working with the wider Rotary International organisation to ensure that the monies raised go to immediate use.

“We’d like to thank Asda, Morrisons and Camera Corner for their support and it’s inspiring to see businesses and individuals alike coming together to give what relief we can to the people affected by this awful tragedy."

Members of Weymouth Rotary are set to be out collecting money again at Morrisons supermarket on Thursday, February 23 and Friday, February 24 as well as in the town centre on the weekend.

Further to the public donations Weymouth Rotary and the Pilgrim House Trust in Hope Square, have donated six ‘Shelterboxes’ and four ‘Water Survival Boxes’; that provide the essentials for shelter, cooking and clean water.

Other Rotary Clubs in Dorset are also working to collect aid.
Mark Townsend of Portland Rotary said: “It is clearly a tragedy and we want to do everything we can to help.

“We will be organising collections and I would urge anyone who can to please donate. It is important that we get aid out and quickly.”

Furthermore, in Bridport, the rotary club has been out in the town centre to raise funds near Buckydoo Square.

Donations towards the cause can also be made online at www.weymouthrotary.uk or by cheque, payable to Weymouth Rotary Club’sent to Weymouth Rotary, Pilgrim House, 1 Hope Street, Weymouth DT4 8TU. 

However, the service is unable to accept donations of clothing, bedding or food.