Ref: k/pa/CSD/PL/Int/Shelter/Jul 2004/Rev.4

Project name:

The Rotary Shelter Box

Registered Charity 1096479

Project goal:

To provide on a world wide basis humanitarian relief and aid in the form of materials and equipment that provides shelter, warmth and comfort to those displaced by natural or other disasters.

Rotary service type:

Club/International based activity by fund raising, community involvement and joint participation with other organisations.

Unique selling proposition:

One pre-packed, self contained, easily transported unit provides shelter, warmth and sleeping facilities for ten people.

Background to the project:

Following a series of disasters world-wide and the harrowing reporting of the homelessness, Helston-Lizard adopted an individual member's idea as on ongoing Millennium project. The idea was to rapidly provide pre-packaged shelter after the disaster and to eradicate the "tented slum cities" which rapidly grow up with their associated squalor. The scheme is intended to complement the existing schemes of Aquabox and Emergency Box.

The scheme has been exported to Canada, America, Australia and Japan by member's visits, District Conferences, RI Conventions and G.S.E. Tours. Rotary Clubsare now actively supporting this project under their own ShelterBox banners.

Description of the Shelter Box:

A fully equipped Shelter Box costs £490.00. It consists of a rigid plastic container, which holds one new ten-person tent, ten new sleeping bags (family orientated) and ancillary associated equipment, including water-purifying equipment. All the equipment is designed for extended use in rigorous conditions. The box is reusable as storage, furniture, container etc. All equipment is purchased new, at favourable prices, when funding is received. The box is packed and documented with an audit trail that informs the donor of its creation, despatch and destination. The recipient also is informed of their benefactor. The boxes are packed and stored in a local warehouse awaiting despatch in response to disasters worldwide. Distribution is arranged through on-site Rotary Clubs and/or recognised Aid Agencies.

Benefits to clubs:

This is a project to direct existing funds into, or organise events to support. The opportunity also exists to involve community groups and others within the Club's sphere of influence. International involvement can also be pursued through the progress of the box at its final destination.

Feedback from other clubs:

Considerable support has evolved as a result of articles published in The Rotarian and the viewing of videos and leaflets, which are, circulated to all Districts. The response in the first few years of the project has seen donations supporting in excess of 2,000 ShelterBoxes (material to assist over 20,000 people) most of which have been despatched to various disaster relief projects in the Asian and African continents.

Promotional material:

Leaflets and video presentation on request free of charge.

Demonstration ShelterBoxes are also available and may be loaned on request.

Contact for further information:

Mail: The Shelter Box Trust,

Unit 1A

Water-ma-Trout Industrial Estate

HELSTON

Cornwall

TRI3 0LW

Tel:01326 569782 (24hr answer machine)

E-mail:

Websites:

Information may also be obtained from any member of the RIBI International Service Committee.

SHELTERBOX FACTS AND FIGURES

ShelterBox Contents

ShelterBoxes may be sponsored by Rotary Clubs, other voluntary organisations, companies and individuals, etc. Materials are ordered from a range of suppliers selected for general use, long-life, quality and price. ShelterBoxes are prepared and packed using all new materials as delivered from manufacturers, at the ShelterBox warehouse based in Helston, Cornwall. The complete/full ShelterBoxes are sealed and banded for transit and security and are made up of the items listed below:

  • One 185 litre box (The ShelterBox) initially the container for delivery of the materials listed below. Once delivered, can be used as water tank, food store, cot, table, etc
  • One three-compartment, ten-person, domed-tent complete (200 sq feet of covered accommodation). Comprising inner tent, outer fly-sheet and repair kit.
  • Ten envelope-type sleeping bags/blankets
  • Two boxes of water purification tablets (to produce 7300 litres of clean water)
  • One 20 litre flat pack water carrier
  • Two 8 litre flat pack water carriers
  • One 4.5 litre cooking pot
  • One trenching shovel
  • Rope, 30 metres
  • A multi-fuel primus cooker/heater
  • As appropriate, every tenth box substitutes a wind-up radio (shortwave and FM) for one sleeping bag.
  • A certificate identifying the sponsor(s) of the box

The contents are under continuous review.

ShelterBox Funds

Since its inception in 2000, the Scheme has raised its funds by donations primarily from Rotary Clubs but also other organisations, schools, churches and private individuals.

Donations may be posted as cheques or made securely on-line by credit card through the official ShelterBox website at

When donations are received, a unique ShelterBox number is allocated and sent to the donor with a receipt. Materials are ordered as funds are received and, through regular packing sessions, ShelterBoxes are prepared, packed, sealed and stored in our Helston Warehouse.

Once a demand arises, consignments of ShelterBoxes are despatched to the disaster area, to be distributed by a recognised Aid Agency and/or local Rotary Club. Once ShelterBoxes have been despatched, donors will be advised of their destination.

Donations (but not amounts) are acknowledged on the “ShelterBox Roll of Honour” listing Sponsors, ShelterBox numbers and ShelterBox destinations. Up-to-date news and detailed information is given on

the Rotary Club’s website at:

ShelterBoxes despatched (to mid-2004)

ShelterBoxes have been sent to India (Gujarat Earthquake), Pakistan/Afghanistan (Maslakh Refugee Camp), Angola (refugees), Uganda, Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Dominican Republic and Burundi with smaller numbers to Russia and Sierra Leone. This is equivalent to providing aid and accommodation for over 20,000 people worldwide.

By the end of 2003, a stock of packed ShelterBoxes was established in readiness to respond to any disaster. However, even a large stock may be easily depleted by just one major disaster.

The ShelterBox Trustees

The ShelterBox Trust (registered Charity Number 1096479) was set up by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard. The responsibility for managing and operating the Charity is vested within the Trustees.

The Trustees are officers of the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard who are elected annually by the members in accordance with the Club Constitution. They are normally President, President-elect, Immediate Past-President and three ordinary members. As such, they serve for a continuous period of three years.

The Trustees have established a Committee from the membership of the Club, who have appropriate expertise and experience to consider any issues arising and advise the Trustees accordingly.

Contact Points

The Shelter Box Trust,

Unit 1A, Water-ma-Trout Industrial Estate

HELSTON, Cornwall, TRI3 0LW

Tel:01326 569782 (24hr answer machine)

e-mail:

Website:

ShelterBoxPage 2 of 2Supplementary Information