The war in Syria has devastated large parts of the country, resulting in several million people fleeing the conflict. However, for those that remain living in the ruins of their communities, including families with young children and the elderly, the basic necessities of life are in very short supply. In Aleppo city the main water sources are boreholes where the water is contaminated – and this is where Westfield’s Worldwaterworks, run by the Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge, has sprung into action.

In response to a request for urgent water-purification equipment and other essential survival items, a consignment of 300 Water-Survival Boxes have been supplied to the UK charity, Hand In Hand for Syria.

The consignment was trucked from Turkey into Syria and then on to Aleppo city despite the route being highly dangerous. There, the most vulnerable families were identified and the boxes distributed. The HIHFS volunteers demonstrated the use of the Aquafilters and other items to recipient families.

The crisis in Syria is likely to continue for many more months or years and the group hopes to raise a further £75,000 to cover the cost of another consignment of 500 Water-Survival Boxes to help more vulnerable families in Aleppo and other devastated towns. Donations can be made online through the website: www.watersurvivalbox.org or by cheque made out to Worldwaterworks Limited and sent to the Westfield Business Centre, 32A Second Avenue, Westfield Trading Estate, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 4BH.