ShelterBox
In 2012, in addition to the Orangutan Foundation, we will be supporting ShelterBox.
Who are they?
In their own words:
ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity. They instantly respond to natural and manmade disasters by providing boxes of aid. Each box provides a family with emergency shelter and other vital equipment, such as blankets, mosquito nets, water purification and cooking equipment; to use while they are displaced or homeless.
Their website is well worth a look. We like the way they are run, and the way they use their money. They aim to help anyone in need, regardless of faith or any other criteria.
They have depots worldwide with stock of boxes ready for instant deployment. All the boxes are packed in Cornwall.
The box typically contains a tent, blankets, cooking gear and basic tools. Where required there will be mosquito nets and water purification supplies. Other contents are flexible depending on the location and other circumstances. They also put in colouring books and crayons, which takes up minimal space and is a really nice touch. Even the box is useful once all the other stuff is taken out.
Each box costs £590. They are individually numbered, and when you make a donation you get the number of 'your' box. You can then track 'your' box via their web site. Obviously we'll circulate the numbers of the boxes we sponsor, so you'll all be able to follow them.
What the Committee say
I would very much like to support them - they're based in Cornwall not far from my folks and I've followed them for several years.
When I was home last summer I got to see one of their standard boxes packed and unpacked and they're brilliant.
Karen Martin - Comms
Have seen these and they are really effective use of charity help.
Pam Hicks - Productions
Luggage to the rescue - fine by me.
Jerry Elsmore - Programme
