Soon after the cyclone hit, Men’s Shed Labrador was approached through our President, John Botwright, asking if we had any old saws, claw hammers and nails we could donate to Vanuatu.  

Ken Short, the skipper of the Trinity Castle, moored at Southport, was doing an aid run to Vanuatu and would be staying there for three months to help restore some of the houses lost.  

We realised that sending second hand saws was of little use as they would require sharpening and setting.  Our President, through his Church, Southport Uniting Church, raised in excess of $1,000, Men’s Shed Labrador put in another $200 and a couple of the members made their own donations.  The total raised was $1877.  

Men’s Shed member Bob Holmes made contact with Bunnings and through them we were able to purchase hammers, saws, nails and tarpaulins to be sent to Vanuatu.  M&J Ingredients from Brisbane donated flour, sugar and rice.

The gear was taken by President John and Bob Holmes to the vessel, Trinity Castle, for transport to Vanuatu.  Skipper Ken also had on board a portable Lucas Saw Mill which he will put to good use when he arrives.

Well done - and thank you - to everyone involved!

The Shed Lending a Helping Hand

Friday, 3 April 2015

Cyclone Pam, one of the worst cyclones ever seen in the Pacific region, hit Vanuatu early in the morning of Saturday 14 March, causing widespread devastation and some loss of life.

Packing winds of 270km/h, Cyclone Pam tore through the tiny South Pacific archipelago, leaving a trail of destruction and reports of dozens of deaths.

AFTER CYCLONE PAM - VANUATU

             Hammers & Saws ready for loading                                       Tarps stored for the journey

                                 Bob Holmes aboard Trinity Castle, wishing he could go along