BUNGAY has risen to the challenge to raise �10,000 to help survivors of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.The aim was to raise that amount in just three weeks to provide 20 shelter boxes (each of which provides a tent and survival equipment for 10 people) - a tough target in such a short time.

BUNGAY has risen to the challenge to raise �10,000 to help survivors of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

The aim was to raise that amount in just three weeks to provide 20 shelter boxes (each of which provides a tent and survival equipment for 10 people) - a tough target in such a short time.

But such was the response that nearly �8000 has been raised - and with money that some churches and individuals have sent independently to the Disaster Emergency Committee, Bungay has raised at least �11,000.

Rotary president Terry Reeve, who issued the challenge alongside the mayor, John Warnes, and the town reeve, John Groom, said it was a magnificent response and the community of Bungay should be proud.

At the Market Place on Saturday Rotarians erected one of the tents contained in the Shelterbox and had the box contents on display so people could see what they were providing. It attracted a lot of interest, and donations on the morning amounted to �378, with a cake stall organised by Penny Reeve making a further �50.

Mr Reeve said the appeal captured the imagination of all ages and a wide spectrum of the town's business, commercial and volunteer community.

“It has always been a caring community and though the target was ambitious, we knew people would rise to the challenge - it has done it before. It means we can send 16 Shelterboxes via the Rotary movement, and on top of that St Edmund's Roman Catholic Church sent �2000 to the DEC, Emmanuel �500, the High Tea for Haiti raised �400 for the DEC and many people have donated to the DEC privately.”

Latest donations to the Haiti Earthquake Appeal include �200 from the Anglican Ladies Guild and an individual cheque for �100 from one couple.

At Monday's town council meeting Mr Warnes and other members praised the efforts of the town in raising so much in such a short time.

You can still donate at John Groom's Butchers in Wingfield Street or New Beginnings Florists in Earsham Street.