ShelterBox joins with Rotarians

Monday 2nd April 2012

Disaster-hit families will be given extra support thanks to a partnership between two charities.

ShelterBox has signed an agreement with Rotary International which will increase its capacity to help families affected by disasters such as tsunamis or earthquakes.

The agreement will see Cornwall-based disaster-relief charity ShelterBox, which provides emergency shelter and supplies, become an officially recognised project partner of Rotary International.

It formalises the 12-year bond between Rotary International and ShelterBox, which was set up by Rotarian Tom Henderson OBE in 2000.

ShelterBox already receives support from the international service organisation with many Rotarians acting as response team members for the charity and travelling to disaster areas to help.

Mr Henderson, ShelterBox founder and chief executive officer, said: "Rotary and Rotarians have been integral in the operational development of the organisation, from being eyes and ears on the ground during deployments, to providing logistics, accommodation and translation services, right to assisting with the pitching of tents. Many of our global response team volunteers are Rotarians. Others have joined the Rotary family having seen the difference that Rotary and ShelterBox make on the ground. They have always helped us in endless ways."

John Hewko, Rotary International chief executive officer and general secretary, said: "For more than 10 years, ShelterBox has given light to over 100,000 families worldwide in their darkest hour. This project partner agreement represents our mutual goal of helping those in need. It gives Rotary a forward-facing approach to immediate disaster relief."

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