AN overwhelming sense of generosity has swept across the town, as the country comes together to raise money for Haiti.Across Ipswich fundraising efforts have successfully raised thousands of pounds to the victims of the earthquake which ravaged the Caribbean island.

IPSWICH: An overwhelming sense of generosity has swept across the town, as the country comes together to raise money for Haiti.

Across Ipswich fundraising efforts have successfully raised thousands of pounds to the victims of the earthquake which ravaged the Caribbean island.

On January 12, the earthquake, which measured a massive 7.0 in magnitude, struck the nation and left millions of people homeless and 200,000 people dead.

For the past two weeks, groups of fundraisers have been brought together with a common aim - to help those affected by the disaster.

On Saturday, members of the Ipswich Orwell Rotary Club, the Ipswich East Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Ipswich Wolsey and the Ipswich Rotary Club joined forces on at the Buttermarket Shopping Centre and managed to raise over �2,300 in donations.

All proceeds raised will now be used to collate shelter boxes - which contain tents, cooking facilities and all basic survival equipment.

Bernard Hindes, a club member and one of the fundraisers, said: “It was just great to see the response and generosity of the people of Ipswich. I think people have really been drawn in by this disaster and because we're sending shelter boxes rather than money - people can actually see how much of an effect they can have.

“The Rotary Clubs of Ipswich will also be donating more money and we hope to be able to send at least five boxes.”

A more daring fundraising effort may see an Ipswich Town fan take to Portman Road in a Norwich shirt.

Red Cross volunteer Marcus Brien has managed to raise a mammoth �800 after asking football fans to vote on which shirt he should wear to the Championship clash with West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday. However, he has a target of �1,981 - which he regards as being the same numbers as the Super Blues' most successful year when they won the UEFA Cup, were runners up to Aston Villa in the First Division race, and beaten FA Cup semi finalists at the hands of Manchester City.

The avid Ipswich Town support said: “The Haitian Football Team's motto is; Strength Comes Through Unity and I am especially appealing to football fans to unite and hold similar events with their rivals.

“Ipswich and Norwich fans are proving this can be done in good spirits and in a way that engages the whole community. Our actions to date have already been commended by the Federation of Haitian Football, who have stated that our support for their nation is keeping them going.”

To vote for which shirt Mr Brien should wear or to donate money, visit www.justgiving.com/Norwichshirt

Are you raising money for Haiti? Contact the Evening Star news desk on 01473 324788 or email starnews@eveningstar.co.uk

The Haiti earthquake

The massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on January 12.

It is believed that the disaster has left 200,000 people dead and two million homeless.

The Red Cross said that up to three million people could be affected.

George Clooney's Hope For Haiti worldwide telethon managed to raise a mammoth �35 million.

After being trapped in the rubble for eight days, 22-day-old miracle baby, Elizabeth Josaint, was found alive and well.