Hans helps Haiti- Hans Van Dyk from Narre Warren could soon be travelling to Haiti to help out

By Kelly Yates
A NARRE Warren man could soon be helping out with the disaster relief efforts in Haiti.
Hans Van Dyk is one of 11 members on the Australian ShelterBox Response Team, which has been set up to deliver ShelterBox aid to countries affected by natural and other disasters.
ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity, supported by Rotary clubs and Rotarians around the world.
As part of the initiative, the green ShelterBoxes are delivered to affected countries and contain a disaster relief tent for up to 10 people, a stove, blankets, mosquito nets, cooking and eating utensils, water purification tablets and other items essential for survival.
The cost of a ShelterBox is $1200, which provides shelter, warmth and safety to those who have lost everything due to a disaster.
Mr Van Dyk, who is a member of the Endeavour Hills Rotary Club, said the volunteers were working around the clock to ensure emergency shelter reached Haiti as quickly as possible.
According to Mr Van Dyk, up to 7000 ShelterBoxes and tents have been sent to Haiti – enough to house up to 70,000 survivors. The response teams have set up two camps as well as three field hospitals in Haiti.
Mr Van Dyk said it was one of the biggest challenges the organisation had ever faced.
“The earthquake in Haiti has left a million people homeless and in desperate need of emergency shelter,” he said.
Mr Van Dyk became interested in the initiative through the Endeavour Hills Rotary Club.
“I was moved by the graphic images I saw of those who had lost everything, being provided with shelter, comfort and dignity to help restore their lives,” he said.
“I was prepared to be part of such a team for two reasons. One, to help ensure the aid that many people have donated to, and volunteers who have packed the boxes, reaches those in most need. And to bring home the stories and images of the thankful and grateful recipients to the many people, businesses and organisations that have donated.”
Mr Van Dyk had to pass an initial weekend selection camp in Australia before heading to what he describes as a “rigorous nine day camp” in the United Kingdom to be part of the response team.
“The ShelterBox Response Team members are volunteers and make themselves available to be flown to remote regions of the globe sometimes at very short notice,” he said. For details visit www.shelterboxaustralia.org.au or call ShelterBox Australia on 9794 7127.