14-02-2006
Tom Henderson of Shelterbox
Tom Henderson, the originator of the Shelterbox project, spoke to the Club on the origins, objectives, and structure of Shelterbox.
Tom created Shelterbox when confronted with images of aid being distributed in a way which didn't respect the dignity of the people being assisted. Tom knew he wanted to help, but wasn't sure how. After giving it some thought, Tom realised that shelter was often one of the most pressing needs, yet one of the least met. Tom put together 10 sleeping bags, a 10-person tent, tools, a stove, and cooking utensils, all contained in a rugged plastic box. The box enabled the portable accommodation to be stored until needed, deployed quickly, and to survive whatever transport was necessary to get it to the point of need.
Such a task is obviously beyond the capacity of one person, however well motivated, so Tom uses the resources of individual Rotary clubs and Rotarians to support it. Shelterbox is administered by the Helston-Lizard Rotary Club, has 5 full-time employees — necessary because of the size of annual donations — and about 300 regular part-time volunteers.
All Shelterboxes are serial numbered, so that they may be purchased (for £490), yet the purchaser can be kept up to date with where their box has gone when it is distributed in an emergency. Donors of shelterboxes can even go online to check the disposition of their box.
During the devasting Hurricane Katrina, Shelterbox was providing emergency accommodation 5 days before the US Army. This ability, to move quickly in a crisis, comes at a cost. Tom has to purchase supplies for emergencies 6 months before they happen. Without the gift of prophecy, this is obviously a difficult task. And this is quite apart from the question of the money required. Happily, as Shelterbox's mission becomes more widely known, more people are getting behind the organisation.
To donate to Shelterbox, click here.
Last changed: 03:15:41 04-10-2008