Disasters come in many forms such as earthquake, cyclone, flood and refugee displacement - but all share a common factor. The most urgent single problem facing the relief agencies is the provision of a supply of safe drinking water.

In some cases, it may be possible for the relief agencies to supply water from outside the affected area. In others, there is clearly a need for those suffering in the aftermath of a disaster to achieve an early, if temporary, self-sufficiency in the supply of safe drinking water.

In a disaster 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.

It is estimated that 25,000 children die every day from the effects of drinking polluted water. Aquabox can play a vital part in minimising the after effects of disaster.

The Rotary Club of Burgess Hill and District has supported the Rotary Aquabox project for a number of years.

We order a supply of Aquaboxes which are delivered with water filtration and purifying equipment. We fill the Aquaboxes with a selection of clothing, kitchen utensils, toiletries, small hand tools and other general hardware before returning them to the Aquabox depot in Derbyshire. They are then ready for immediate dispatch to any area where a disaster has occurred.

We are most grateful to the members and supporters of the Mid Sussex Branch of  the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) for the donation of surplus children's clothing, toys and books following their 'Nearly New' sales. These will be highly valued by the ultimate recipients of Aquaboxes who have lost everything following a disaster.

For a list of recommended items to be packed in Aquaboxes, please click here...(if you are able to donate any of these items, please contact us -  your help would be greatly appreciated).