INNISFAIL – Now more than ever local organizations are stepping up to help those in need when a disaster strikes.
The Rotary Club of Innisfail is one of them.
As part of Rotary International, the local Rotary Club contributes to Shelter Box Disaster Relief.
The non-profit organization was formed shortly after the tsunami disaster of 2004 that hit Thailand and parts of Indonesia.
Shelter Box Disaster Relief set up a display during the annual Innisfail Rotary Golf Tournament on July 5.
“We’re here mostly for information so that people know this is a viable alternative,” said Marilyn Pottage, Shelter Box ambassador. ”It’s trying to fill a need because we’re having more and more disasters, it seems like.”
Shelter boxes are delivered via volunteers worldwide to various parts of the world, particularly to disaster prone areas, and are stored in warehouses so they are ready to disperse when a disaster hits, noted Pottage.
A Shelter Box includes a sleeping bag, a tent, cooking utensils, pots and pans, blankets and other needed items, noted Pottage. It also contains a kids' pack with a toy and other items for children.
“The idea is to try and have disaster relief into these sites within 48 hours. It has expanded over the years to include solar lights, a water filter, mosquito netting, (among other things)," explained Pottage. “They are deposited in six warehouses around the world near areas where there are often disasters.”
Rotary International and local Rotary clubs have supported the Shelter Box program for several years.
“About 40 per cent of funding for Shelter Box comes from Rotary clubs around the world,” said Pottage. “Rotary is an organization that likes to help internationally when there’s a disaster or where there is need.
“This is something that Rotary has put a lot of support behind,” she added.
In addition, a Shelter Box comes with a portable stove that burns a variety of materials for fuel and contains a kit to repair shelters if needed.
“If you have a home that you might be able to start repairing, (Shelter Box) has got a saw, a hammer, nails and tarps so that you can start creating something (a form of shelter) with what you have,” Pottage concluded.
For more information visit www.shelterboxcanada.org
