The devastation caused by the earthquake in Nepal has prompted Rotary clubs in Stevenage and North Herts to swing into action.

Stevenage Grange Rotary Club has pledged to match fund donations up to £2,000 and will be holding collections at the Sainsbury’s store in Poplars this weekend.

The group’s treasurer Stephen Sypula said this week: “The world has responded quickly to provide immediate humanitarian relief.

“We will now focus on raising funds to provide longer term help for known charitable organisations in Kathmandu.”

The club has already identified several areas that need support.

“We want to help replace essential furnishing and equipment to get Maiti Nepal trafficking, and similar rescue and rehabilitation centres, up and running again,” Stephen explained.

“It is so important that these essential services continue to be provided.

“Without them Nepal will take a massive step backwards to the benefit of no one. When disasters like this happen there’s lots of news coverage and aid comes from all over the world.

“There will be enough tents for everyone but they’re only good for six months. What we’re focusing on is the long-term affects of this earthquake and working to solve problems that can’t just be fixed in a matter of days.

“Every penny we receive will be spent on aid relief and we have taken £2,000 out of our Disaster Fund to help the people of Nepal as much as we can.”

Members of the Hitchin Tilehouse Rotary Club will be collecting in Market Place on Saturday morning with a ‘Kurry for Kathmandu’ theme, with home-made curry for sale.

Also on display will be a Shelterbox, one of the ‘all in one’ disaster survival packs for families which are funded by Rotary clubs around the world and pressed into action in the aftermath of a catastrophe.