Kimberley City Council voted Monday to purchase six Shelter Boxes from Rotary and send them to Japan to help with earthquake relief efforts.

While the City would not normally get involved in disaster relief across the world, Mayor Jim Ogilvie said these circumstances were special.

"We do have a sister city in Japan (Annaka)," Ogilvie said. "The Premier has asked everyone who has a sister city to do something."

Ogilvie said that a number of cities, such as Castlegar and Trail are donating $1 per capita, Kimberley has decided to go with the Rotary Shelter Box program. Buying six Shelter Boxes would be roughly the same as a $1 per capital donation.

"Having a sister city places added responsibility on us to help in any way we can," said Coun. Bob West-Sells. "The Shelter Box is the best bang for your dollar because every dollar goes to it. Even the Rotarians going over to help distribute and set up Shelter Boxes pay for their own airfare."

Coun Paddy Weston said, that with regret, she wouldn't be supporting the motion.

"It's a terrible tragedy and certainly Shelter Boxes are extremely useful but at the same time, $6000 is a drop in the bucket. We are trying to shave hundreds of thousands off our budget and Japan is a well off country, richer than Canada."

Coun. Albert Hoglund said he appreciated Weston's point but would support it, given that Kimberley does have a sister city in Japan.

"You are right, we haven't done it in the past but we've never had a sister city involved. I'm sure if we were in the same position they would be helping us. I know the budget is tough, but it's a small amount."

Coun. Mick Henningson also said he shared Weston's concerns but would support purchasing the Shelter Boxes.

"It's a tremendous program," he said. "But I do take the point that there are a lot of countries in constant need every day."

"We have really benefited from this sister city," Ogilvie said. "They come here every year and spend money. We haven't done near as much for them as they do for us."

One Shelter Box provides shelter and necessities for ten people, meaning at least 60 people in Japan will benefit directly from this gift. The Shelter Boxes won't necessarily go to Annaka, which did receive some damage from the quake. They will go to wherever the need is greatest.