RESIDENTS from Ilminster are helping to save lives across the world thanks to the Rotary club’s role in the Water-Survival-Box scheme.

The town has been closely linked to the project ever since one Rotarian, John Wood, played a key role in helping to set it up.

Members recently helped to pack up 60 boxes, each containing essential items and a water filter capable of converting 100,000 litres of water into safe-to-drink water, to be sent as overseas aid.

They are also taking part in Rotary’s bid to send a total of 700 boxes to the devastating earthquake in Indonesia.

John Wood was the district chairman at the time of the deadliest natural disaster of the 21st century, the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.

He set Rotarian Steve Tanner of the Chelwood Bridge club to co-ordinate sending 3,200 aquaboxes from Somerset, West Wiltshire and West Dorset to Asia.

Mr Wood said: “From this experience, I suggested to Steve that there was a need to make a change to all new products and for each box to contain exactly the same items. As a result of this Water-Survival-Box was eventually launched in 2006.

“I am therefore a great supporter of this product and as I also continue my Rotary role in International projects, now on behalf of the Rotary Club of Ilminster, I encourage raising funds year on year for this excellent Rotary charity.

From the start of last July until the end of June this year, the Ilminster club contributed enough money for nine boxes.

Mr Wood added: “Since July 2018 we have already sent enough money from Club funds for three boxes and already have a plan to hold a collection outside of Tesco Ilminster on November 24 for Water-Survival-Boxes.

“Disasters seem to be happening quicker than we can react but I expect that the boxes we packed will be shortly on there way to Indonesia where safe water is now urgently required.”

To help Water-Survival-Boxes, visit secure.thebiggive.org.uk/indonesia.