UPDATE
The Patong Rotary Club has approved a B 50,000 emergency fund.
If anyone would like to help the designated Rotary Charity account for relief donations is: Bangkok Bank account 563-0-64310-3.
Original Report
PATONG Rotary has responded quickly to help scores of families left homeless by a blaze that razed a shanty town this week in one of Phuket's biggest-yet fires.
Clothing, bedding, food and cash are urgently required and can be left at Woody's Sandwiche Shoppes in Patong, Cherngtalay, Fishermans Way Chalong.
''The Rotary Club of Patong Beach will ensure that all donated items are delivered to those in need,'' a statement said today. ''Any excess items will be held in reserve for distribution to other needy people in our community.''
Chairman Stan Bailey added: ''We are also bringing any items to our RCoPB meeting tonight in Patong for collection and immediate distribution. All cash donated will go towards purchasing food, water, blankets, sleeping mats, or whatever the immediate need is for these people.''
About 40 families, mostly street vendors or egg-and-nuts salespeople, had their simple homes destroyed in Sunday night's fire and were sheltered overnight at Patong's local council offices.
More contacts and details are available at www. rotarypatong.org
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