ShelterBox Update

ShelterBox Rotary District 1010 Coordinator, Kerr Fulton-Peebles writes:-

I have enjoyed meeting many of you at recent events, with the Tall Ships in Aberdeen a great example of clubs working together to publicise both Rotary and ShelterBox. A remarkable event in so many respects, and an opportunity to publicise what we are about to the thousands of people who attended.

Speaking of publicity, I would draw your attention to the latest RGBI magazine, which has a meaty submission about ShelterBox as it recognises 25 years of operation.

Sadly the need for shelter in time of disaster has escalated over that period, and the nature and causes of the disasters have become more complex.  As the articles in the magazine show this means that the responses of ShelterBox have also had to change and adapt to the needs of the people affected. These needs are identified by the assessment teams who, working with partners such as Rotary, speak to those made homeless to find out exactly what they require. 

What you will not now see as part of the subsequent response is our iconic green box.  Although this is part of our metaphorical DNA it is no longer an operational item because each disaster is so different and so requires different items of aid: a standard box of kit is not likely to be the best option. Indeed the box would, in many cases, no longer be able to accommodate all of the items needed, and the logistics of collecting and packing items into boxes at ShelterBox HQ in Truro and then distributing them is neither efficient nor effective.

Aid items are now stored in warehouses around the world, from Panama to the Philippines, usually on pallets of identical items for ease of transport and passage through customs. They can then move onwards as quickly as possible to where they are needed. We also try to obtain aid items locally to keep costs down, reduce transportation and help local economies. I know that when we donated to ShelterBox in the past we appreciated being able to ‘buy a box’, track its progress and have an easy measure of how much we had contributed. 

Rotarians to whom I have spoken recognise why this is no longer possible, but value knowing that the monies raised for ShelterBox are being used carefully and effectively to ensure that those affected by disaster – whether ‘natural’ or man-made – are provided with the shelter items that they need. And an easy measure still exists in that a full Shelter Pack costs £590, or a Severe Flooding Kit costs £160.

 I am anticipating a busy few weeks as I attend various events and make visits, and I look forward to meeting many of you in the process. As always if you would like a talk or any assistance with a display, including a tent, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can also put you in-touch with other volunteers who can also help.

For now, my thanks for all your support and fellowship.

Yours in Rotary and as ever,

Kerr Fulton-Peebles
ShelterBox Rotary District 1010 Coordinator