Ally Buck shared with us virtually from her home in Kingston the latest update from Shelter Box Canada.
In 2022 there were 14 Million people displaced due to environmental disasters, war and conflict, or humanitarian crisis.
This year we are anticipating a bad hurricane season due to warming climate and warming oceans.
Shelter Box is working toward everyone having a home, a shelter. after a disaster. They are able to mobilize quickly, typically within a couple days. They think of shelter as a human right. Need shelter first, then can work to rebuild lives.
A big thanks to their partnership with Rotary.
Shelter Box started as a Millennium project by a Rotary Club in UK. It is now an independent organization. Rotary clubs around the world provide resources as well as often local knowledge at times.
They don't always use the big green boxes. They tailor response and supplies to the situation and need. They source supplies from around the world, locally when possible. They have a permanent warehouse in the Phillipines as they experience frequent disasters, often couple a year due to typhoons. Sourcing locally allows them to support local economy's, often needed after a disaster.
Their tents can hold 11 people, or family of 5 with kitchen area. Tents can withstand monsoon winds, can be tailored to cold or hot climates.
Often when tent is not needed they use tool kits to help families repair damaged homes. Goal of Shelter Box is to provide what is needed, not things they don't need. The people keep the tools and supplies, including tents when used and can repurpose. Tents often used after they have rebuilt their home to use to start a business.
Shelter Box honours donors and supporters through their Hero program
There are 4 employees in Canada. Of $1,500,000 raised in Canada, $1,000,000 comes from Rotary. She had a big thank you to Rotary.