Once again members of the Rotary Club of Launceston are actively involved in helping those less fortunate than ourselves living abroad.

A Mercedes mini bus adapted for use by the disabled is being prepared ready to be driven the 2,000 miles or so to Kosova where it will be used for the benefit of the disabled community in and around Gjakova. Club members in conjunction with local fire fighters are also helping to finance the cost of taking a Dennis fire appliance to Kosova.

The club's connection with The Balkans started in 1999 when much needed aid was provided following the end of the war involving Serbian forces. In early 2000 further aid was provided and then the club took aid to help the children's hospice in Minsk, Belarus.

The club's activities abroad ultimately led to the formation of an overseas project team within the Rotary District (Cornwall, Plymouth and West Devon). To date this team have completed 38 projects in various parts of the world. The work of this team has improved the lives of many thousands as well as saving some lives.

The disabled community of (now) The Republic of Kosova are supported by an organisation known as Handikos which has numerous branches throughout the country. There are some 11,000 disabled within Kosova's community, many being disabled through recent warfare or contact with mines planted during the conflict.

Unfortunately, the state does not have the funds to help Handikos to provide an adequate service and the organisation relies on overseas help for financial and material support. The Rotary Club of Launceston has helped in the past and will again in the future.

The mini bus (pictured) was kindly provided by Dorset County Council together with a second that is being prepared by the Rotary Club of Lostwithiel. These vehicles will provide much needed transport.

This vehicle, together with the fire appliance, will be seen at various venues in and around Launceston over the coming weeks for fundraising.