YATE Rotary Club has thanked the people of Yate for raising enough money to help people in the Philippines and two cancer charities.

The club said it was thrilled with the public’s generosity which had allowed it to support projects abroad and closer to home.

At a recent collection held at Yate’s Tesco Extra supermarket, enough money was raised to buy two Shelter boxes destined for the Philippines. Each Shelter box costs £590 and will deliver emergency shelter and other lifesaving equipment for an extended family which has lost everything following Typhoon Haiyan.

An American-style Thanksgiving supper, featuring a three-course meal cooked and served by members, at Iron Acton Parish Hall raised another £1,400 which has been split and donated to Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK.

The Rotarians themselves have not sent each other Christmas Cards this year but instead to each make a donation in lieu which will go to the Caring at Christmas Shelter.

The shelter, in St Paul’s, Bristol, provides warm dry beds and bathing facilities, warm clothes and hot food for the homeless at Christmas.

Members’ own donations were added to some money from club’s charity funds making a total donation of £300 to the shelter. They also donated many items of bedding, clothes and toiletries for use by Caring at Christmas.

David Picton, from the club, said: “Yate Rotary is very grateful to the people of Yate for their generosity especially in the current economic climate and at an expensive time like Christmas.

“The Rotarians, who are all volunteers, would like to thank residents for the trust they place in them and wishes everyone a Happy Christmas.”

Yate Rotary meets most Thursdays (7.30pm) in the New Inn at Westerleigh. Search online for Yate Rotary to call 07964 689156 for more information.