The tornado-ravaged Vancouver Lake Crew will receive donated and loaned rowing shells this Saturday as part of the Northwest rowing community’s effort to help the crew rebuild.

The shells and other equipment are from Seattle-area rowing clubs. Fred Meyer will donate a $5,000 check to Vancouver Lake Crew.

Last Thursday’s rare tornado destroyed the club’s 50 rowing shells. The Vancouver Lake Crew has 90 members, approximately 60 participate in its youth and high school programs. An estimated total of 30 rowing shells and other equipment have be donated or loaned to help the Vancouver Lake Crew get back on the water.

Background: Tornado photos and video

How the Public Can Help

The public can donate to the effort to rebuild the non-profit Vancouver Lake program through the Vancouver Lake Crew Tornado Relief Fund set up by USRowing, the U.S. national governing body for the sport of rowing at www.USRowing.org

An account has been set up at Bank of Clark County in the name of Vancouver Lake Crew. Donations can be sent to Bank of Clark County c/o Vancouver Lake Crew, 1400 Washington St, Suite 200, Vancouver, WA 98660.