A Place of Refuge

 
Like many, when I read about conflict somewhere in the world, with people and families being displaced, I feel a sense of overwhelm.  What can we do to help, especially when we are so far away?
 
I’d heard about ShelterBox, but thought it was aimed at countries impacted by natural disasters – like earthquakes, fires, volcano eruptions and the like, but at a recent Rotary meeting, I discovered they do so much more and often come to the rescue of families caught up in conflict and wars.
 
For example, take the conflict in the Tigray region in Ethiopia where over 520,000 people have been displaced in the region, while more than 55,000 have fled to the neighbouring country of Sudan.
 
Most displaced people are living in schools or staying in host communities. Living conditions are crowded, unfinished, missing doors and windows. People are sleeping on dusty floors or sleeping outside under trees. This is putting families at risk of COVID-19, pneumonia, and malaria. 
 
ShelterBox is working with an in-country partner to support families who have fled their home in Tigray. Families are being provided with emergency shelter, household items, and hygiene items. In addition to tarpaulins, ropes, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, water carriers, and kitchen sets, families will also receive wash basins, soap, and water jugs to help prevent devastating outbreaks. 
 
In preparation before a disaster happens, ShelterBox stores aid in strategic locations around the world so they can provide help as quickly as possible. They work with trusted local partners and have a network of incredible volunteers who travel by foot, boat, or helicopter to get to the families who need support.
 
“We have tight criteria to use to determine when we get involved.” explains Meg Schmieder, the Community Fundraising Co-ordinator at ShelterBox Canada. “Much depends on how much government and community support is already in place.” she adds. ShelterBox began in 2000 as a UK Rotary Club’s millennium project and with the support of Rotary members and clubs around the world, ShelterBox has grown to become an internationally recognized, independent disaster relief organization. Since 2012, ShelterBox and Rotary have been official Project Partners in disaster relief. “The partnership between Rotary and ShelterBox has provided a place of refuge to people facing some of the most difficult and uncertain moments in their lives.” observed John Hewko, RI General Secretary.
 
At some clubs, funds are set aside each year to provide funds for at least one ShelterBox for when disaster strikes. The cost per box is $1,200. Rotary represents 42 percent of ShelterBox’s revenue, with 267 boxes purchased last year.  A total of 442 Rotary Clubs in Canada have been involved in the program.
 
If your club is interested in learning more or becoming club champions, check out their website at www.shelterboxcanada.org or contact ShelterBox at megschmieder@shelterboxcanada.org
 
Submitted by Anne Day  
Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium