Sir, Members of The Rotary Club of Kendal were seeking donations last Friday following the tsunami disaster on Boxing Day. We felt that being able to send water purification equipment immediately through Rotary's Aquaboxes was the type of project that would appeal to the people of Kendal.

We had no idea that we would raise in excess of £18,000, with the donations still arriving. We have sent £10,000 to send Aquaboxes and £8,000 for Shelterboxes. These contain water purification equipment and also tents, sleeping bags and cooking equipment.

It is impossible for us to thank personally everyone who has contributed. So, through your Letters page, please would everyone who gave so generously please accept our appreciation for your kindness.

We will continue to collect to help the victims. Rotarians will be outside Booths in Kendal on Friday and Saturday this week and donations can still be sent to me at home, cheques payable to The Rotary Club of Kendal.

As a club we were pleased to have the support of the staff at Asda and Booths, and that we could react quickly to give everyone an opportunity to give.

Please do not stop, and thank you to everyone who has given so far.

Alan Procter President, Rotary Club of Kendal n Sir, I was shattered to read and see the damage done by the Asian Tsunami. I was also saddened to hear how many hundreds have lost their lives.

So many did not stand a chance. They could not swim, against the huge surge of water. My thoughts go out to those who have lost loved ones, including those who were from this country.

Please send what you can to support those left behind, they need to survive and everyone can do a lot to help.

Can I also appeal to animal lovers. I'm asking vets and supermarkets to put a box down so people can put in food for the animals still alive. On TV I saw a poor little dog sitting on a pile of rubble. No one seemed to care. Everyone was too busy digging for survivors. But please try to buy an extra tin of dog/cat food etc when out shopping.

I'm aware there are lots of animals in this country that need help too. I myself gave some food for animals to the RSPCA. I sent in money for these people also. I will gladly donate food for the animals if I can see a box.

Barbara Holme Kendal