ShelterBox—An International Rescue Kit

All of us know the importance of food and shelter, but what if one day while brushing our teeth we looked around and had nothing left, not even the tooth brush? Thursday’s program showed us a way we Rotarians can use for those in such a situation through no fault of their own. Northbrook Rotary’s Donna Gulley told us of the ShelterBox program.

Christmas Eve, 1999, Englishman Tom Henderson watched the news, saw coverage of disaster aid distribution and felt there had to be a better way. He came up with a grass roots program that gets a 10-man tent and supplies packed into a large re-usable plastic box and shipped to disaster sites . . . and this being done with little bureaucracy or delaying “red tape.” 1300 were sent in hurricane Katrina’s aftermath, arriving before the U.S. army did!

One thousand dollars outfits such a box and pays for shipping it anywhere in the world. 250 of these boxes are packed and ready in a warehouse in England. In addition to the tent, they contain sleeping gags, blankets, tools, stove, cooking utensils, a children’s activity kit. The contents are tailored to meet climate or geographic needs, sometimes alternate materials such as mosquito netting or pickaxes. Food isn’t included because it is the one thing that usually is sent, whereas shelter and related equipment aren’t.

Boxes can be requested by Rotary clubs in affected areas or by international relief agencies. Delivery is made by agencies or by Rotary volunteers. In a video presentation we saw some of the impact of this direct aid--boxes, two at a time, strapped to the back of mules carrying them up washed-out mountain roads.

The program provides fast, practical help. 130,000 people were helped in the winter in Pakistan after a recent earthquake. 25,000 people were sheltered in Sri Lanka after the tsunami. Rotary clubs around the world have helped expand the program. A U.S. effort is being made through several Rotary districts. Ms. Gulley is one of the District 6440 representatives. Our club was encouraged to contribute. You can find out more by calling 847-208-4107 or writing Shelterbox6440@gmail.com.