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Saturday, January 23, 2010

ShelterBox

ShelterBox strikes me as a brilliant idea! Vital supplies are bundled into a large, reusable 40 gallon storage box and shipped off to aid victims of natural disasters. The location and circumstances of each crisis helps determine what will be in the ShelterBoxes, but at least one ten-person tent is always included. The charity was created by Tom Henderson in 2000 in Cornwall, England. It began with Mr. Henderson’s Rotary Club in Helston-Lizard, but is now supported by Rotary Clubs and individuals around the world. You can read more about the contents of the boxes and see one in detail here.

I’ve been unable to find a rating and review of ShelterBox on Charity Navigator, but it is registered with the Charity Commission which regulates charities in England and Wales. Based on a few Google searches, fundraisers for ShelterBox are taking place all over the U.S. right now. More than 1700 boxes have already been sent to and are being deployed in Haiti.

Here’s a brief CNN video about ShelterBox.

Here’s the ShelterBox Flickr Photostream.

And you can find ShelterBox on Twitter.

6 comments:

Sue said...

Hi Lee!

What a surprise to find a new post after commenting on another, funny to think of you sitting behind your PC so far away.

This is such a brilliant idea, I wonder how long before we get involved in this project? I thought we were innovative for sending self-heating meals over to Haiti!

Sue X

Sue said...

PS. What you guys up to today? It's 8:50am here, getting ready to go take security gates down at our house, since they're coming to put the new ones in tomorrow - yay!!

Pink Granite said...

Hi Sue -
I also get a kick out of it when I realize any of us are on the same wavelength - and internet page simultaneously!

We should have had the light out long ere this!
I posted this earlier, but was having trouble with the links and my browser. Finally got it all sorted out and re-posted it a few minutes ago!

I didn't realize SA had sent self-heating meals. But I have seen reports about your search and rescue teams and all your fund raising activities!

Our day will be catching up to things around the house - including laundry! We have a busy week ahead - but nothing as exciting as your new home!
Good luck with it all!
;o)
- Lee

Sue said...

Yeah, but our guys have already come home. I always feel like I should be doing more in a crisis, but donation's all I can do to help.

Looking forward to getting the house finished, hopefully within the next week or so. I'll take some pictures today to post tomorrow. Hope your week goes OK!!


Sleept tight, I've been up for 2 1/2 hours already!!

Sue XXX

Pink Granite said...

Hi Sue -
I think we all have that feeling of wanting to do something, anything to help folks whose lives have been devastated by disasters such as the earthquake in Haiti. That's one reason the ShelterBox appeals to me - it's so darned concrete and tangible!

I did read a good article on why it is so important for individuals and even corporations, not to send "stuff", but to donate money to established charities.

One cool thing about ShelterBox - once you contribute, your donation is associated with a numbered box. So you can track where it goes.

OK I'm shutting down the computer now!
Looking forward to the house pics...
;o)
- Lee

Roo said...

Hey hey - glad you like the Shelterbox idea, as it's something I have supported quietly for ages now, as they are just so cleverly done. And as you say Lee, a tangible asset that can be used in a crisis - cheers