Boxing Day 2004 was a day to remember, when many Euroa residents woke up to hear news of the destruction caused by the massive tsunami that hit many of our northern neighbours in the Indian Ocean.

The Rotary Club of Euroa was quickly on the case of providing relief to the survivors, and within a few weeks had raised $9400. That sum was forwarded to the local Rotary District 9790, which raised a total of $200,000. In turn, it was added to the Rotary Australia appeal to make a grand total of $600,000.

The money was then forwarded to The Rotary Club of Sri Lanka, which saw to it that the funds were put to work. Rotary Sri Lanka, together with the Standard Chartered Bank, was able to rebuild 25 schools that were totally destroyed in the tsunami. All together, this project has helped send over 12,000 students back to new model schools with all modern facilities.

Euroa Rotary District 9790’s money went towards a new school that was constructed in the Galle region of Sri Lanka. This school has been operating since 2006 and offers education in Years 1 to 12, giving 650 students access to computer and science laboratories as well as other facilities.

Many Euroa people would have donated money to this effort, and it’s great to see where the money has been spent. Well done to all concerned.