The Rotary Club of Summerland today announced that we have made a significant donation to SHELTERBOX CANADA and its relief efforts in response to the urgent needs in Turkey and Syria following the disastrous earthquake.
 
ShelterBox was originally founded by a Rotary club in the UK, and over many years has made a tangible difference to the lives of people around the world.  What began as a local initiative is now a  movement that provides emergency shelter to millions around the world.
 
Rotary International and SHELTERBOX CANADA have partnered for many years in disaster relief around the globe and local Rotary club members endorse ShelterBox as a trusted and reputable group to support, and donations can be made at shelterboxcanada.org, or through the local Rotary club.
 
ShelterBox states “We can’t replace what was lost, but we can help families rebuild their homes, and their lives.”  ShelterBox is known for its unique approach in tailoring aid that meets the needs of a community, but mostly for the ShelterBoxes and ShelterKits.  These sturdy green “boxes” contain family-sized tents specifically designed to withstand the elements and provide people with temporary shelter until they are able to start the process of rebuilding a home.  The “Kits” and “Boxes” contain items that help transform shelter into a home – like cooking sets, solar lights and activity sets for children.
 
ShelterBox is able to respond quickly and efficiently to disasters by transporting items from their positioned hubs around the world, and are mobilizing resources as available in coordination with other organizations to have maximum affect and influence in the current relief efforts in Turkey and Syria.
 
Many individual and group donors choose to support ShelterBox to the value of a “Box”, about $1,200, but all donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt.  ShelterBox is a registered Canadian charity.
 
The Rotary Club of Summerland is proud of its many local accomplishments, but also its commitment to the global goals of Rotary International which include working together to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, and in support of relief efforts during disasters such as the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
 
If you need more information, contact a local member of the Rotary Club of Summerland, or go our website summerlandrotary.ca.