Hundreds of pounds have been donated by the North East branch of an international organisation to provide humanitarian aid to people most in need.

Rotary Durham has donated £3,500  to partner charities by Rotary Durham to aid projects across the world.

Rotary Durham has given out £700 each to GrifAid, ShelterBox, WaterAid, Aquabox and Mercy Ships, which has been raised through numerous fundraising efforts throughout the year.

Club President Gordon Bacon said: "We raise funds not only to help charities locally, but to benefit those less fortunate all over the world.

"Rotary works with all these partners to try and make life better and we felt these in particular were worthy of assistance."

GrifAid is a charity based in Washington, Tyne & Wear, that develops, manufactures and supplies household water filters to families and communities in developing countries throughout the world, with a global mission to provide safe water not just in emergency situations. GrifAid water filters are in use in more than 50 countries worldwide.

ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity that provides shelter, essential items, tools and technical assistance to help some of the world’s most vulnerable people to survive, recover and rebuild their homes after a natural disaster or through conflict. Established in 2000 by a Rotarian in Helston, Cornwall it has since become one of the world's leading humanitarian aid charities.

The Northern Echo: International disaster relief charity ShelterBox has received £700 from Rotary DurhamInternational disaster relief charity ShelterBox has received £700 from Rotary Durham (Image: ROTARY CLUB OF DURHAM)

WaterAid was established in the UK in 1981 and is now an international charity. It serves to relieve poverty and suffering in any part of the world by the provision and improvement of water supplies, and sanitation and by providing advice on related health matters. It also ensures sustainability through its training programme and is currently working in 22 countries.

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Aquabox was established in 1992 by the Wirksworth Rotary Club and now works worldwide. It provides filtration units for safe drinking water and provides humanitarian aid to crisis zones suffering from natural and man-made disasters by helping with shelter building, cooking and feeding, educational development and hygiene.

Mercy Ships is a global charity that brings hope and healing to people who suffer from disability, disfigurement and disease in the poorest countries of the world. It deploys two hospital ships, Africa Mercy and Global Mercy, that transform people's lives through free surgery for those in need. The volunteers also improve healthcare systems by training local medical staff and renovating facilities to leave a lasting legacy, Since 1978 Mercy Ships has worked in more than 56 nations.

To find out more more about Rotary Durham and how you can get involved, visit the website here and click on the 'Contact' link to make an enquiry, or go to the Facebook page here.