Chestnut Hill Rotary received the Shelterbox "HERO" Bronze Award for 2022-23, which recognizes Rotary clubs that have shown commitment in making an impact in worldwide disaster response, by providing financial support of more than $1,000.
HERO Clubs enable ShelterBox to have the resources and time to be ready when disaster strikes by allowing ShelterBox to purchase and pre-position aid in or near countries where we respond often, resulting in a more efficient and timely response.
“2022 was our biggest year yet and your support helped us to reach over 400,000 people across 22 projects in 12 countries,” said Bill Tobin, Rotary Relations Manager, ShelterBox USA. “This year is shaping up to be just as busy and your continued support is truly appreciated.”
Rotary International and its partner, ShelterBox, continue to work together to respond to the immediate needs of the people affected by natural disasters or conflict. ShelterBox is currently providing disaster response to the people affected by the war in Ukraine, earthquakes in Turkey and northern Syria, Cyclone in Malawi, monsoon in Pakistan, and conflicts in Mozambique and Syria.
Earthquake response in Turkey and Northern Syria.
In 2000, the idea for ShelterBox came from the Rotary Club of Helson-Lizard in Cornwall, England, when watching the news and wanting to do more after seeing that people were left with nothing after a disaster. Over the past 20 years, ShelterBox has supported over 1.5 million people with emergency shelter aid, essential items and training to help recover after disasters.
At first, a box contained a tent, cooking utensils, blankets and other equipment a family of 10 would need to survive for six months. Boxes are still sent, but now our aid varies depending on the needs brought on by each disaster.
“One of the benefits that ShelterBox has is that we can work with Rotarians in disasters like this on the ground," said Jeffry Cadorette, Director, ShelterBox USA and Past Rotary International Director.
"That network, wherever we deploy our resources, helps us understand the landscape and get the assets to where they are needed. Rotary's partnership is a huge asset." Cadorette, a long-time member of Media Rotary, also serves on the Global Strategy Task Force for the ShelterBox Trust in England.
How can you help?
1. Donate individually to ShelterBox HERE.
2. Donate individually to The Rotary Foundation’s Disaster Fund HERE.
If you are a Rotarian, I hope that you are proud of the work that you do. If you are not yet a member, contact us to join.
Find out how you can become a member of the Rotary Club of Chestnut Hill or make a donation to the Chestnut Hill Rotary Foundation.
