The Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch has helped to buy a WooWoo Kazuba waterless and composting toilet for the Packington-based Phoenix Children's Foundation.

Phoenix is a charity that provides support for children and young people living with illness, disability or lack of opportunity.

Two years ago the Rotary Club were instrumental in planning land clearance alongside a stream that runs through the Phoenix property to provide a further activity area for the young people.

Volunteers to do this came from the club and its satellite group assisted by youngsters from the National Citizen Service Trust (NCST).

Unfortunately the cleared land is half-a-mile or so from the main activity area with lavatory facilities.

This is too far away for young people with special needs so a plan was devised to remedy the situation.

The Kazuba toilet has a unique evaporation/drying mechanism that works with no need for water, chemicals or electricity.

They are ideal for areas with no sewerage and can deal with moderate to high volumes of use.

The lavatory facility is ideal for areas with no sewerage and can deal with moderate to high volumes of use

The total cost, approaching £6,000, meant that help would be needed from various sources.

A Rotary District Matching Grant was applied for to match Ashby Rotary Club's donation and this was successful. The remainder of the cost was raised by the Rotary Satellite Club, The Phoenix Foundation, the NCC group while young people from NCS helped to provide the finishing touches.

Phoenix Foundation is situated on an extensive farmland and stables site provided by a generous local landowner.

Staffing is minimal but is actively supported by a keen group of dedicated volunteers.

Since its foundation over a decade ago the charity has helped more than 20,000 children, young people and their families by funding life enhancing activities and equipment. It has bought specialist equipment for children's hospices, contributed towards specialist wheelchairs, paid for music therapy, purchased sensory equipment and supported children with funding their Riding for the Disabled lessons.

Ashby Rotary Club is proud to continue its association with this valuable member of the local community