The recent earthquake that has decimated so many living on the Caribbean island of Haiti has once again seen the ShelterBox project help people affected by the unbelievable destruction in their country with so many of its people now without housing. The worst earthquake to hit Haiti in many centuries was of a 7.0 magnitude and was centred 10 miles to the south west of the islands capital, Port-au-Prince.

There were also two significant aftershocks measuring 5.9 and 5.5 in magnitude that followed the initial earthquake. ShelterBox is despatching 700 ShelterBoxes and more will be packed by the end of the week.

Shelter Box is a project which began in England in 2001, the brain child of Rotarian Tom Henderson.

The mission of ShelterBox is to provide humanitarian aid worldwide in the form of shelter, warmth and comfort to people displaced by natural or other disasters.

Since its inception, holding centres have been established strategically around the world to facilitate the prompt dispatch of boxes to disaster areas. Each ShelterBox contains up to two 10 person dome tents, blankets, water purification tablets, a multi-fuel stove, tools and other essential equipment. The box contents are designed for the climate of the area it is being sent to; there are currently 12 different configurations available. There is also a box designed to assist communities who have lost their schools. Each school box contains enough equipment to restore a classroom of 30 children with enough supplies so they are able to resume lessons.

The cost of a ShelterBox is $1,200.00 and the project is ongoing. Throughout the world there is a disaster every 29 days, and since 2001 over 500,000 people in 40 countries have received shelter following disasters.

Only twelve months ago ShelterBoxes were utilized in the horrific Victorian Bushfire situation. Australian donations to ShelterBox Australia have directly assisted people in 23 countries and donations are constantly needed to replenish stocks to enable the ongoing global humanitarian work of ShelterBox, a global Rotary Club humanitarian aid project. Donations are tax deductible.

The need not only exists, but also persists.

The Rotary Club of Grenfell has funded a number of ShelterBoxes since the commencement of the program and will continue to do so as funds permit. Any organisation or individual is most welcome to fund either all or part of a ShelterBox, in their own name or through a Rotary Club.

Every ShelterBox is numbered and its deployment can be tracked on the ShelterBox Roll of Honour.

ShelterBox has an excellent website and can be accessed at www.shelterboxaustralia.com.au