SHOPPERS, schools and community groups, have been showing their support for the victims of the devastating Haiti earthquake by helping to raise more than £10k in a week.

The much-needed funds were collected at the Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon.

Members of the Rotary Club of Basildon Concord as well as other rotary branches across Basildon and Thurrock were at the centre all last week and throughout the weekend, to raise cash for the ShelterBox Appeal, which is sending out lifesaving boxes to the crumbled Carribbean island.

Each one contains a ten- man tent along with tools, clothing, cooking materials and other items.

Mike Horton, spokesman for the Eastgate Centre, which has been supporting the rotarians, said: “We have raised around £10,300 and the campaign continues for another week.”

A collection by the rotary club at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon on Saturday raised £70.

Abacus Primary School, in Wickford, is fundraising by laying out coins in the shape of a map of Haiti.

Danny Lovey, of the Basildon Rotarians, said: “Hundreds of ShelterBox tents are providing emergency shelter in and around Port au Prince and hundreds more boxes are set to arrive this week.

“Shoppers have been showing they really care and want to do something to aid the suffering of the victims. I would also like to thank the Corringham and Thameside Rotary Cclub, and the local Scouts and Guides.”

l Echo readers can donate towards the ShelterBox appeal by filling in the form on the right.