PEOPLE and organisations are continuing to respond to the challenge to Bungay to raise �10,000 in three weeks for shelter boxes for those made homeless by the earthquake in Haiti.

PEOPLE and organisations are continuing to respond to the challenge to Bungay to raise �10,000 in three weeks for shelter boxes for those made homeless by the earthquake in Haiti.

A Hats for Haiti day held by Bungay Primary School on Wednesday took the figure raised past the �6,000 mark, and with a week to go there is every hope that Bungay could reach its tough target.

Pupils raised around �100 by donning a colourful array of headwear.

Headteacher Iain Owens said the children had enjoyed going into school wearing their hats, which some had made themselves.

“A big part of education is also learning about helping other people,” said Mr Owens. “It's something our children are really good at.”

Pupil Demi Riches, nine, said: “We need to raise money for the children who have no money.”

Bungay Inner Wheel Club held a Ploughman's Lunch at the Fisher Theatre on Thurs-day and, with an added donation from club funds, raised �500 - enough for one shelter box.

Donations dropped into coll-ection points at John Groom's Butchers and New Beginnings Florists have so far brought in well over �600. One cheque left at New Beginnings was for �200, the amount raised by staff at Nursey and Sons factory and shop.

Bookprinters Clays is another factory where staff are being encouraged to donate to the appeal.

The challenge to Bungay was put out two weeks ago by the president of Bungay Rotary Club, Terry Reeve, the town reeve John Groom, and the mayor, John Warnes, and on Friday they were at Bungay Middle school to collect �550 raised there with a non-uniform day, and thank pupils and staff for their efforts.

On Tuesday, Mr Reeve and Mr Warnes were due to visit Earsham First School on a similar mission - children there also raised money with a non-uniform day.

Bungay Probus Club and Holy Trinity Church are among organisations that have collected for the appeal.

Mr Reeve said he continued to be amazed and humbled by the great response from the community of Bungay.

“Clearly the awful situation in Haiti has touched people's hearts and they are being very generous with their donations. Opening some of the envelopes left at the shops has been quite moving,” he said. “Bungay's response has been brilliant so far - let's see if we can hit that �10,000 target by next week.”

Because of the urgent need, a deadline of February 13 has been set for the challenge. Next Saturday, a shelter box, with the tent erected, will be on display in the town centre.

Meanwhile, St Edmund's Roman Catholic Parish held an appeal over two Sundays, with an additional collection at the Churches Together in Bungay Service for Christian Unity on January 20.

The total raised was an incredible �2,000 for the national disaster appeal.