NAVAN, Wednesday 15 July 2026 — The Rotary Club of Navan has raised €8,400 through its Venezuela earthquake appeal, enough to fund 12 ShelterBoxes of emergency shelter and essential supplies for families left homeless by June’s devastating double earthquake.
Club President Geraldine Honan and appeal team leaders Pat Mullaney and Ciarain Stewart presented the proceeds this week, thanking the people of Navan, County Meath, and beyond for their generosity. The club, one of 65 Rotary clubs across the island of Ireland, mobilised within days of the disaster.
Responding to the Venezuela earthquakes
Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck northern Venezuela just 39 seconds apart on 24 June — the strongest to hit the country in more than a century. More than 4,700 people have died, over 16,000 have been injured, and tens of thousands have lost their homes, with the coastal state of La Guaira among the worst affected.
The Rotary Club of Navan launched a prompt response to the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Project leads Pat Mullaney and Ciaran Stewart ran a bucket collection in Navan and Johnstown Shopping centres, raising a whopping €8,400 over 3 days.
“This will fund much-needed Shelter boxes for the people of Venezuela. As a people of action, the Rotary Club is extremely grateful for the continued support of the Navan community and surrounding areas. These collections are facilitated by the support of the management of both Navan and Johnstown shopping centres, for which we are very grateful.” said Club President Geraldine Honan.
The funds raised in Navan will purchase 12 ShelterBoxes through ShelterBox, Rotary International’s project partner in disaster relief. Each box provides a family with emergency shelter and essential equipment, including tents, blankets, solar lights, water filtration, and cooking sets. ShelterBox teams are already on the ground in Venezuela, working alongside local Rotary members who are providing logistics, translation and community contacts as aid moves in from pre-positioned warehouses in Panama and Barbados.
How to donate to the appeal
The appeal remains open for anyone who has not yet had the opportunity to give. Donations can be made through the Rotary Club of Navan website, and you can read more about the emergency shelter effort on the ShelterBox Venezuela earthquake appeal page.
The Venezuela appeal is the latest in a long record of international service from the Navan club, whose members have previously helped send 1,500 bicycles to The Gambia through Bikes for Africa. To support Rotary’s humanitarian work in Ireland and worldwide, visit our donations page — or find out how to become a member of a club near you.