Two hardy Dundee Rotarians braved Friday night’s cold to raise money for the Typhoon Haiyan relief effort.
Dundee Rotary president Tim Heilbronn and vice-president Dave Laing camped out on the city’s Murraygate in a shelter tent to raise funds to send ShelterBoxes to the Philippines.
Rotary International set up a partnership with ShelterBox a charity which provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies last year and now the Dundee branch is trying to raise as much money as possible.
Tim said: “It’s lovely now but when the sun goes down and the moon comes up it’s going to be freezing. We’re staying in one of the shelter tents which are part of the ShelterBoxes which go out to disaster areas.
“Because of the earthquake that had been in the Philippines ShelterBox was already in the country so they were able to step in with the boxes after the typhoon but they are definitely in need of more.”
Each ShelterBox contains a tent that sleeps 10 people, a woodburning stove, tools and supplies for basic living for up to six months.
“We thought if they can do six months in a tent we can last at least one night,” Tim said.
Each box costs £600 and the Rotary Club of Dundee are hoping a weekend fundraising drive will send at least two out.
As well as Tim and Dave’s overnight camp the Rotary Club provided hot drinks and food for any donors passing their stand outside Ladbrokes.
Tim said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of many people. We formulated an idea last Sunday morning and within 24 hours we had so much support.
“The city council rushed through normal formalities to let us in the city centre.
“We’ve got the loan of a burger van from the Round Table who are supplying the hot dogs. Tesco have provided tea and coffee.
“Clark’s 24-hour bakery have donated rolls and Scott Brothers have donated stovies while Rotarians and their wives have been making soup.”
To donate, visit the Dundee Rotary website.