Many of us have heard of ShelterBox, but very few could say what it’s all about, so this week’s talk by Wesley Sim was an eye-opener! Wesley is the International Service Director at the Rotary Club of Perth, and he represents ShelterBox in WA. ShelterBox was founded in the year 2000 when members of the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in Cornwall decided that, to celebrate the Millenium, they would establish a group to help people who had lost their homes after some sort of disaster. The concept was to give such people a green box containing tents, tarpaulins, tools, blankets, mosquito nets and water filters, and because ShelterBox was started by Rotarians, there has been a close link with Rotary ever since. The aim is that no-one should be without shelter after a disaster, and Shelterbox provides the wherewithal for this to happen. They co-operate with similar agencies who provide other essentials such as food, and Wesley estimates that there are around 130 million people who need help following natural disasters and war. Where possible ShelterBox uses local materials to support local industries, and they also make cash donations to foster dignity. Stock is now scattered around the world in warehouses for quick action to minimise trauma. Wow!
