In 2000, the idea for ShelterBox was hit upon by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in Cornwall, when Rotary encouraged members to come up with projects to mark the Millennium. ShelterBox is a cutting-edge charity that hand-delivers emergency shelter for families devastated by natural disaster and conflict. The signature ShelterBoxes and ShelterKits contain the tools to transform lives and rebuild communities. The sturdy green ShelterBoxes contain family-sized tents specially designed to withstand the elements and provide people with temporary shelter until they are able to start the process of rebuilding a home. The ShelterKits contain all of the essential tools people need to start repairing and rebuilding homes straight away.
Since its inception, ShelterBox has been intrinsically linked with Rotary. It has grown to become Rotary International’s Project Partner for disaster relief.
In 2012, with Rotary members around the world rallying behind a shared vision, the partnership between ShelterBox and Rotary was formally recognised when ShelterBox became Rotary’s official project partner in disaster relief.
In 2018 ShelterBox assisted over 42,000 families with emergency shelter and other essential household items. That’s equivalent to more than 210 000 people. With the help of Rotary, ShelterBox has responded many times to reach families affected by natural disasters and conflict.
From tropical cyclones, earthquakes, floods, drought and volcanic activity, they have reached across 17 countries. They have worked with Rotary groups and Rotarians around the world to help families in their responses to natural disasters.
 ShelterBox has grown to become a respected humanitarian organisation providing emergency shelter, essential items, and support to over 1.5 million people. It has fundraising teams in 15 countries – all founded by Rotary members. Today in 2020, the need for emergency shelter is more urgent than ever, with 88 million people living without shelter after disaster. ShelterBox has 17 global affiliates, all dedicated to raising funds for and awareness of disaster relief. The organisation continues to research and develop its equipment, train its volunteer ShelterBox Response Team members (SRTs) and position stocks so that it can respond effectively and immediately to the next major disaster. Your support is greatly appreciated. |
At this time of the year, the start of spring, my life usually turns upside down. While some of you may have no experience of the complexities of a seasonal life, those that are in tune with nature know that life goes from calm and order to mayhem and madness in milliseconds. My busy season goes from mid-July to mid-January. I have to propagate and pot 180,000 plants over that period as well as all the administration and maintenance that goes with it. To answer your question, yes I have some help but most of this I do myself, I don't sit in an office all day. COVID lockdowns may multiple my workload but we will see where that goes when the time comes.
Our new District 9820 Interplast Chair is Dr Kay McCauley from the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza. Kay has an extremely impressive medical background and has extensive experience in teaching and lecturing.
