Published: Thursday, 21st January, 2010 9:00am

Leader: Devastation has thawed our hearts

by Newsdesk

Comments (0) | Print | Email

The Rotary Shelter Box Scheme aid arrives in Haiti

THE trials and tribulations of Berkshire's big freeze have been put into perspective over the past nine days by the earthquake which tore asunder the very existence of the people of Haiti.

Those of us complaining about blocked roads, bread or milk shortages and the odd bump and bruise caused by icy pavements, will surely have experienced pangs of guilt while watching the heartrending scenes of bereavement, grievous injury, loss and desolation amid the chaos of a nation that had little enough going for it even before the earthquake struck on January 12.

Images of the rescue operation suggest it's a case of too many cooks rather than many hands making light work. So the vast majority of us, except for those with the much-needed skills to assist in such emergencies, are restricted to putting our hands in our pockets.

Last weekend the munificent Reading public responded by helping Rotarians collect more than £14,000, and doubtless in the coming days, offices, factories, places of worship and clubs will witness similar displays of generosity. Hopefully it will help build a foundation for Haiti's long term good fortune and not merely fuel its long-standing corruption and despair.

Unhappily, tragedy struck much closer to home this week for the Muneer family when their beautiful, bright daughter Asha was taken from them.

No amount of money will ever compensate them, but across the community our thoughts and prayers are with them.