



For many years Rotary has been associated with many worthwhile charities, where the public have confidence that 100% of invested money goes to good causes. One item that Rotary have been involved with since 1992 are Rotary Aquaboxes. Rotary have supplied nearly 79,000 boxes and thus over 380 MILLION litres of uncontaminated drinking water obtained from local polluted water
The Problem In a disaster (and unfortunately there are
MANY!), the lack of, or disruption to, a safe water supply
or sanitation creates an ideal breeding-ground for water-
borne disease. Cholera and typhoid are the most virulent
of these but they are not the whole story. Often the problem can be a simple infection causing diarrhoea and leading to dehydration, particularly in the very young. Water-Aid, a charity committed to the provision of long-term water supplies, estimates that 25,000 children die every day from the effects of drinking polluted water. Apart from water however, often people have lost absolutely everything they own
The Solution
Aquabox can play a vital part in minimising the after effects of disaster, especially with the connections Rotary have, in getting supplies delivered quickly and efficiently! The standard Rotary AQUABOX has two functions:
1. It is filled with a selection of warm clothing, useful hardware and hygiene items. The actual contents depend on the individual or organisation that has donated and filled the box but may include warm clothing, kitchen utensils, toiletries, small hand tools and other general hardware. A suggested list of items to be included is set out in our below.
2. It also contains a filter cartridge and a matching supply of water-treatment tablets. Once the welfare contents have been removed, each AQUABOX can then be used to purify up to 1100 litres of polluted water, making it safe and pleasant to drink. As an example, 1100 litres is equal to 5,000 cups - that is enough for a family of four people (drinking 10 cups per day) for about four months.
What YOU can do!
Save any of the articles listed below and contact one of Whitstable Rotarians for collection. From time to time we have public collections during the day in Whitstable, often outside St Alphege’s Church. So when advertised, please come along with any of the items below
Download file of Items required

Rotarians Andrew and Jean Martin outside
St Alphege Church
Aquaboxes – What are they?


Essential
Bucket - Strong plastic, rubber or canvas
Hygiene
4 new toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Tablets of soap (at least 4)
Washing powder or flakes (hand wash)
Packs of cotton wool
Kitchen rolls
Sanitary pads
Toilet rolls (2 plus)
For the baby
Vests
Baby Grows
Towelling nappies (4 if possible) + nappy pins or hemmed squares of towelling. NOT DISPOSABLE NAPPIES
Plastic pants
Feeding bottle or cup
Safety Pins
Cotton Material e.g. Cotton Sheets (for general use)
Eating and Drinking
Large cooking pan (preferably new)
4 bowls & 4 cups (unbreakable, e.g. robust plastic)
4 each metal spoons, forks & knives
Scissors - kitchen quality
Can opener
General Support
Childs small toy(s) (Ball or fluffy toy)
Needle and cotton (strong)
Small strong torch & batteries in sealed pack
6 candles & safety matches
Children's/teenagers toys
Pencils and paper
Insulation tape
Ball of string
Roll of plastic sacks (kitchen/garden)
For Shelter
Hammer & large number of 50mm + nails
Pliers
Strong folding knife
Rope (30 metres of 15mm diameter plus)
Garden wire (2mm x 20m plus)
Screwdriver and matching screws (cross or slot head)
Hand trowel or small shovel
Galvanised staples (Large, 25mm plus)
Groundsheet
For Sleeping
No Blankets Please
We provide 4 survival bags with each box Blankets take up too
much room
Clothing (please see notes)
Lightweight waterproofs - Plastic Macs, jackets or cagoules
Baby/children's clothes
Polluted water may be the only water available
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