2. WHAT WOULD
YOU NEED
IF YOUR
HOME WAS
DESTROYED?
CONTENTS
02 03 FOREWORD
04 05 SHELTERBOX
06 07 THE SHELTERBOX SOLUTION
08 09 HOW WE DO IT
12 13 SHELTERBOX RESPONSE TEAMS
14 DEPLOYMENT HISTORY
15 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
16 17 SHELTERBOX INTERNATIONAL
20 21 GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
22 INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY FOR DISASTER RELIEF
23 HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE UNDERSTAND DISASTERS
26 27 SUPPORTERS: GIVING THE GIFT OF SHELTER
28 29 TOTAL BOXES
30 31 THE FUTURE
32 33 THANK YOU
Photograph : Thomas Lay Haiti
4. SHELTERBOX
Every year hundreds of thousands of families across We rely on public donations and could not operate Our vision: Speed: Our fleetness of foot lets us operate in the dust
the world lose everything when disasters strike. without the generosity of people the world over. Our Is of a world where everyone affected by disaster has and debris of a disaster. We act fast and we strive to
Through no fault of their own and often with no supporters constantly go the extra mile to help make a access to the shelter and basic equipment they need to reach families in the shortest time possible. Our speed
warning, families lose their homes, their possessions difference to the lives of families who survive disasters. survive and live in dignity and safety. is mirrored in our responsiveness to our supporters and
and their livelihoods. Every day they are faced with a We have had fundraisers climb Mount Kilimanjaro, row partners.
Our mission:
battle for survival and this is where we come in. the Atlantic Ocean, cross India in a Tuk Tuk and even
Is to deliver humanitarian aid in the form of equipment Collaboration: Collaboration is key to continued
cycle 10,000 miles on a tandem. Every box we deliver
We provide emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for and materials that provide shelter, warmth and dignity development and the effective delivery of aid. We work
bears its own unique number so our donors can see
families around the world who are affected by disasters, to people affected by natural or manmade disasters collaboratively with local, national and international
where their box has gone.
at the time when they need it the most. Our Founder, Tom worldwide. partners to maximize our impact. We encourage
Henderson OBE, saw the humanitarian response in most We are now firmly established at the forefront of disaster participation in our work especially from the families and
Our goal:
disasters was in the form of food and medicine. Little or relief and our work constantly earns the respect of communities we help following disasters.
Is to help 50,000 families who lose everything in a
no assistance was being given in terms of safe, secure outside agencies. If there is one thing we have learnt, it is
disaster every year. Accountability: We are dedicated to delivering a quality
shelter to help families survive the first days, weeks and that the next disaster is just around the corner. We need
aid package that represents value for money while being
months as they tried to rebuild their lives. ShelterBox was to ensure we are always ready to respond, no matter the Our Values:
accountable to our supporters, partners and to every
created to fill this void. disaster, no matter the location. With your help, we will be Innovation: We are creative in finding effective solutions
person who receives support from ShelterBox.
ready. and are always improving the quality of our work to make
Since our inception in 2000, we have responded to
sure we deliver the best aid package possible for families
earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, tsunamis, hurricanes,
affected by disasters.
landslides, typhoons and conflict, delivering emergency
humanitarian aid to families in need on every continent.
From the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami to the 2010 Haiti
earthquake, we have responded to some of the largest
disasters the modern world has ever known. Alongside
this, we have also helped many thousands of people
affected by disasters that are not featured in the media.
Simply put, if there is an unmet need for emergency
shelter, we will do everything we can to meet it.
The ShelterBox solution in disaster response is as
simple as it is effective. We deliver the essentials a
family needs to survive in the immediate aftermath of
a disaster. Each large, green ShelterBox is tailored to a
disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an Photograph : Andy Green Chile
extended family, blankets, water storage and purification
equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a
children’s activity pack and other vital items. ‘I never thought I would lose my house. Thanks to
ShelterBox I have a place now to spend the winter
We pride ourselves on our ability to respond instantly to that is coming. I have 7 grandchildren that I look after
disasters and to do this we rely on a global network of and now having these two tents means we will be
volunteers. ShelterBoxes are delivered by highly trained, safe. Shelterbox is the first aid we have seen since
volunteer ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) members. the earthquake. We are so happy we have not been
These men and women, from all walks of life, give their forgotten.’
time freely to help make the difference to the lives of Sara Norambvena, 70
others. Their passion, dedication and belief allow us to Aid recipient from Chile
bring hope to countless families in need every year.
04 Photograph : Mark Pearson Pakistan
5. THE
‘The ShelterBox tents really do stand out as the Rolls
Royce of tents amid the myriad of tents and tarps
that are still peppering Haiti. I spoke with one of the
SHELTERBOX
camp residents who told me how proud she was of her
ShelterBox tent, which she proclaimed were easily the
best in any of the camps.’
Paul Clammer
SOLUTION
Lonely Planet writer
Tom Henderson OBE asked himself one question Protection
when ShelterBox was still the seed of an idea: One of the most pressing issues in disaster zones
‘What would my family need to survive if we lost around the world is access to clean water. Clean water is
everything?’ imperative to survival and contaminated water supplies
are life-threatening. With damaged infrastructure and
Tom made a list of everything he thought he would
sanitation systems, a regular feature of disasters, we
need and then set about filling a box with all the
provide families with the means to purify their own water.
items on the list. A decade of evolution later and the
Time and again our water purification solutions have
result is the ShelterBox Solution we see today. We
saved lives.
keep a broad range of equipment in stock so we
can adapt the contents of aid we deliver depending Dignity
on the nature and location of the disaster. We work We believe no corners should be cut when it comes to
to the needs relayed back to us from the field and the business of saving lives. To this end we take great
we are able to send specific stand-alone items care sourcing every item to ensure it is robust enough to
should they be requested. The contents of the box be of lasting value. Every item is durable, practical and
may vary but each box typically contains: brand new. Even the box itself has many uses, from a
water container to a cot for a newborn baby.
Shelter
At the heart of every ShelterBox is a disaster relief tent Stability
for a large family. The tent has been custom designed The rebuilding process is fundamental to a family’s
and made for us by one of the world’s leading tent survival. Our boxes contain the tools a family needs to
manufacturers. We believe it is the best disaster relief take the first steps on the road to recovery. The tool kit
tent in the world. It is designed to withstand extreme we provide contains a hammer, axe, saw, hoe head, pliers
temperatures, intense UV light, high winds and heavy and wire cutters. These items enable a family to improve
rainfall. Our tents have partitions that allow families to their immediate environment and, when possible, begin
divide the space in a way that suits them best. Our tents repairing and rebuilding the home they were forced to
become more than simple shelter; they become homes. leave.
Warmth Hope
A key piece of equipment we deliver is either a wood or Children affected by disasters have often been subjected
multi-fuel burning stove. We want shelters to become to high levels of trauma. Their worlds are turned upside
homes and a stove is integral to any home. It is where down and their day-to-day lives changed irrevocably.
water is boiled, food is cooked and families gather. Our boxes contain small gifts for children to help restore
Alongside the stove we provide pots, pans, cooking a sense of normality. The children’s activity packs we
utensils, bowls and mugs. provide contain drawing books, crayons and pens. For
children who have lost all their possessions, these simple
Comfort
items become treasures.
A shelter becomes a home when families can live with
a degree of comfort. We provide fleece blankets and
insulating groundsheets; simple ShelterBox solutions
that make a tent much more than just a shelter.
Photograph Sharkfin Media
06 07
6. HOW WE
DO IT
Our work is only possible because of people around locations so we can instantly respond on a large scale
the world who give generously to ShelterBox. There anywhere in the world.
are countless supporters and volunteers who make
Once the aid arrives in-country SRTs face the task of
everything we do possible. It is their commitment
delivering it to the families in most need. We often work
to our cause that enables us to provide homes for
in remote regions and transporting boxes to these areas
countless families who survive disasters.
is full of obstacles. In these inaccessible areas there is
An enthusiastic team of volunteers performs the essential usually a desperate need but it can often be overlooked.
task of packing every ShelterBox that leaves our However, we use all the means available to get the job
warehouse in the UK. The strength of our volunteers is done. After the Indonesian tsunami in 2010, boxes were
beyond measure. transported across the Mentawai Strait on a surf-charter
boat before being distributed by smaller boats to some
ShelterBoxes are then delivered to families in need by
of the most remote islands in the world. Boxes have been
volunteers: our incredible ShelterBox Response Teams
Photograph: Andy Green Chile
delivered by helicopters, tuk tuks, donkey trains and even
(SRTs). To become an SRT member is no easy feat and
on the backs of camels.
each individual has to undertake rigorous training before
they are qualified to deliver emergency disaster relief. Delivering Aid
These ordinary people who do extraordinary things drop SRT members will use every available resource to gather
everything at a moments notice to head into disaster information about those most affected by disaster so
zones. Our worldwide network of SRT members is a emergency aid can be channeled according to the
key component in our ability to respond immediately to greatest need. We aim to prioritise the most vulnerable
disasters. and deliver aid to them first. In the immediate aftermath
of the 2010 Haiti earthquake there was an enormous
Rapid Response
number of people injured. We worked with the French
We aim to provide emergency shelter and lifesaving
Red Cross and local hospitals to provide a safe
supplies to families as soon as possible after a disaster.
environment for surgeons to operate, for midwives to
The ShelterBox Operations Team monitor disasters
deliver babies and to provide a post-operative area for
constantly and are ready to respond immediately.
patients to recover away from the debris, dust and harsh
Every disaster is different and so is every ShelterBox
conditions. One doctor told us that he and his team were
deployment. Sometimes we respond to disasters
treating up to 600 patients a day in our tents, dealing with
independently, other times it is on requests for assistance
amputations, infected wounds, and children in conditions
from other aid agencies or government authorities. The
of extreme dehydration.
common thread is ensuring the response is as rapid as
possible. Post-Disaster
We are committed to measuring and evaluating the
Logistics
impact of our aid to facilitate further research and
We have a multi-skilled logistics team who constantly
development into ways we can improve the quality and
work to overcome a range of challenges. We always
effectiveness of our aid. In order to improve our work, it is
endeavor to deliver boxes into disaster zones in the
vital that we listen to the needs of the people that we are
most efficient and effective way possible. This can be
helping. When it is suitable, we will send teams on post-
by road, sea, air or a mixture of all three. We can pack
deployment monitoring missions to assess how effective
and dispatch hundreds of ShelterBoxes a day from our
the ShelterBoxes are and to work with the recipients of
Headquarters in Cornwall, UK and can also call upon a
the aid to find out ways we can improve our equipment
stock of prepositioned ShelterBoxes that are stored in
and service.
strategic locations across the globe. We are constantly
increasing the number of boxes we have in prepositioned
Photograph: Thomas Lay UK
09
7. IMMEDIATE
RELIEF
STRAIGHT
TO WHERE
IT IS NEEDED
Photograph : Thomas Lay Brazil
8. SHELTERBOX
RESPONSE
TEAMS
ShelterBox Response Teams are deployed at a
moment’s notice to remote corners of the globe. They
are highly trained volunteers from all walks of life and
they work tirelessly to deliver on-the-ground aid to
families who have been hit by disasters.
We deployed our first four SRT members after the Indian
Ocean Tsunami in 2004. Since then people from all
around the world have undergone extensive training and
we now have more than 160 individuals who will drop
everything when they receive the call to deploy.
Being sent with our aid into remote and chaotic
environments is not for the faint-hearted. Our SRT ‘Seeing families move into ShelterBox Photograph : Becky Maynard Indonesia
members bring with them a wealth of knowledge from tents filled me with a pride I’ve not felt
their different backgrounds, knowledge that is essential before. Not of personal achievement
when operating in disaster zones. We have teachers and or altruistic gain, but of being part of a
construction workers, business owners and firefighters, charity where the difference they make is
doctors and photographers; all volunteers who are now tangible.’
specialists in disaster response. Laura Dale (UK) – Journalist
Conditions in the field can be very basic and our SRT ‘Of all the happenings in my life, apart from
members may be operating within days of a disaster. the joy of my family, nothing has come
Apart from the human tragedy, the infrastructure of close to the pride I felt at being selected
the area may be in ruins and communications severely following training to become a ShelterBox
limited. We make sure all our Response Teams are Response Team member.’
capable of being self-sufficient and can operate fully David Hatcher (UK) – Former Police
without adding to the burden of the people we are Superintendent
there to help. All of our SRT members are exceptional ‘I feel honoured that I am able to
individuals who are fit, hard working, resourceful, good contribute and to be part of this great
communicators and, most importantly, capable of making organisation. So many people have Photograph : Mark Pearson Haiti
the right decisions under pressure. helped me on the way and to make
All of our SRT members have their own inspiring stories ShelterBox what it is.’
to tell. They bring personality and passion to delivering Elke Kruger (DE) - Doctor
humanitarian aid. Featured right are four of our SRT
members, people from our worldwide network who not ‘After returning from my first deployment,
only believe they can make a difference to the lives of I was hit by an enormous sense of calm,
others, but constantly do. relief and exhaustion. I began to realise
Our incredible SRT members are an inspiration to all who the magnitude of what ShelterBox does.
meet them. They are the foundation that our strength as The sense of emotions came barreling
an organisation is built on. For the passion they have, the through me, from seeing the sheer joy
commitment they show and the sacrifices they make; we on families’ faces when they received a
thank them. ShelterBox.’
Casey Robinson (US) – Office Manager
12 Photograph : Thomas Lay Brazil Photograph : Thomas Lay Colombia
9. DEPLOYMENT KEY
HISTORY ACHIEVEMENTS
‘The support and help from ShelterBox (in Pakistan)
has been incredible. They have done a remarkable
job in reaching out to the families affected and truly
demonstrated their rapid response capabilities. Rotary
is proud to have such a connection with ShelterBox.’
Raja Saboo
Rotary International Past President
14 15
10. SHELTERBOX
‘This constant ambition to always make it the best aid
package is about recognising the people you’re going
to help deserve it; it’s not their fault they’re in a disaster.
INTERNATIONAL
Most people are just ordinary people going around
their business trying to look after themselves and their
families.’
Tom Henderson OBE
ShelterBox Founder and CEO
Our vision is to see a world where everyone affected invaluable support in a range of different areas. SRT
by disasters has access to the shelter and lifesaving selection courses are now delivered in Canada, USA,
supplies they need to survive and live in dignity Australia and New Zealand where the latest batches of
and safety. We have an ever-growing number of SRT candidates are put through their paces. Our Affiliates
International Affiliates who share this vision with us in Brazil, Indonesia and the Philippines have provided
and are helping us spread our mission further than it essential support in our deployments to their respective
has ever reached before. countries over the past year. This has included everything
from assisting with clearing aid through customs to
In Europe, North America, South America, Africa,
arranging accommodation for our Response Teams.
Australasia and Asia we have talented teams in place
doing everything they can to generate support for Our International Affiliates encapsulate an expanding
ShelterBox. They are an integral part of the ShelterBox global passion for our work and their devotion to the
family and their work will help propel us to the next level. cause is a fantastic tribute to the organisation.
As well as serving as some of our most important
fundraisers, our International Affiliates provide us with
SHELTERBOX AROUND THE WORLD
Norway
Denmark
Canada Netherlands
UK Belgium & Luxembourg (Belux)
France Germany
Switzerland
USA Portugal
Taiwan
Niger
Panama
Brazil
Malawi
Samoa
Fiji
ShelterBox Af liate South Africa
Chile
Countries
New Zealand
Jan 2011
Photograph : Becky Maynard Indonesia 17
12. GLOBAL
PARTNERSHIPS
Photograph : Thomas Lay Niger
Rotary Scouts Aid Agencies
The global support from the Rotary network is the We have a strong history of working with Scouts in In order to maximise the timeliness, effectiveness
cornerstone that ShelterBox is built on. disaster zones. Scouts have assisted us in setting and appropriateness of our response to humanitarian
up and maintaining camps for those who have lost emergencies, we work with a range of leading
Rotary has been instrumental in our growth and Rotarians
everything in countries such as Kenya, Italy and international relief agencies and non-governmental
are the cement that binds us together. Since we were
Guatemala. organisations.
founded, we have grown from one club’s adopted project
to the largest global Rotary club project in the 100-year Within days of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, local Scouts We work in line with the United Nations Cluster
history of the organisation. were working with our SRT members to establish a camp approach which aims to strengthen the capacity for the
for up to 4,000 people. international humanitarian community to reach more
Many thousands of Rotary Clubs worldwide have
beneficiaries, with more comprehensive needs-based
supported us in a myriad of different ways. From their assistance in the field to their engagement
relief and protection, in a more effective and timely
with the work we do, Scouts have become an integral
The fundraising efforts by Rotarians make up a significant manner. Photograph : Mark Pearson Haiti
part of the ShelterBox family.
proportion of donations received by ShelterBox.
Our expertise in emergency shelter and the unique
Alongside this, Rotary Clubs provide invaluable logistical In the UK we are an official partner of the Scout
ShelterBox Solution often enhances other agencies’ aid
support to our field operations. Association, in the USA the Boy Scouts of America are
programmes. We provide specialised knowledge and
becoming increasingly more involved with the work we
Rotarians will often be the people who ensure our aid resources while they can provide us with local knowledge
do and throughout Europe more and more Scouts are
can be delivered into a country by acting as consignees. and help us identify the most vulnerable families who
learning about ShelterBox. We have launched a series of
These essential acts mean we can deliver aid to people need our assistance.
innovative and inspiring activities for Scouts of all ages
in need as quickly as possible. More often than not, it will
that aim to inform, educate and entertain Scout groups. Some of the agencies we have worked with include
be Rotarians who are the first point of contact for the SRT
the United Nations, UNHCR, UNICEF, the International
members when they arrive in a country that has been Our global relationship with the Scout network gives
Federation of Red Cross and Red Societies, Save
devastated by a disaster and they provide everything us the opportunity to engage Scouts in worldwide
the Children, Oxfam, World Vision, ACTED and the
from logistical support, translators, local knowledge to a issues such as natural disasters, manmade conflict and
International Organisation for Migration. In addition we
bed to sleep in. humanitarian aid; contributions from Scout groups have
work with numerous local and regional agencies to jointly
significantly increased the number of people we can help.
The global Rotary network has been key in our contribute to the alleviation of suffering, for example, the
international growth. At present, all of our International National Rural Support Program in Pakistan.
Photograph : Thomas Lay Colombia
Affiliates have been set up by Rotarians or Rotaracters
This sharing of knowledge and resources has enabled us
and the growth has been phenomenal.
to distribute aid efficiently and cost-effectively in many
Rotarians around the world are now engaging with emergencies.
ShelterBox on an unprecedented scale. The benefits
As signatories of the Code of Conduct for the
to our efforts and, in turn, to Rotary, are enormous. We
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
receive incredible support from Rotary and, equally, we
and NGOs in Disaster Relief, we are committed to
are acting as a catalyst in encouraging more people the
providing humanitarian assistance based on need alone –
world over to become involved with their local Rotary
not nationality, race, religion, or political point of view.
Club.
Our formalisation of partnerships with key agencies over
The relationship between ShelterBox and Rotary is
the next year will serve to further increase our response
beyond value.
capacity in the field.
Photograph : Mark Pearson Kenya
20 21
13. INTERNATIONAL HELPING
ACADEMY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
DISASTER UNDERSTAND
RELIEF Our SRT members have to be trained to the highest
DISASTERS
ShelterBox launched its first schools activities in
standards to ensure our aid is delivered in the most 2006, helping young people understand how disasters
effective way possible. happen and the impact they have on individuals and
communities around the globe. Over the next two
We take individuals from all walks of life and train them
years the support and enthusiasm demonstrated by
to be experts in delivering emergency disaster relief. All
children was remarkable and the project grew.
our training is now run from the ShelterBox International
Academy for Disaster Relief. In 2009 we launched our first Young ShelterBox
programme. By sharing what we have discovered
Anyone who applies to become an SRT member goes
about the world through our work, young people can
through a comprehensive recruitment and assessment
better understand the effects of disasters. By learning
process. The competition to become part of this elite
about why these events happen and their devastating
band of volunteers is tough. For every twenty people who
consequences, young people are challenged to perceive
apply to become an SRT member, only one will make it
something beyond their own lives.
through the assessment process.
Photograph : Thomas Lay UK Working with education specialists and youth leaders
Our experience of delivering aid in the most difficult Photograph : Dan Pryor UK
to harness the rich source of materials behind our work,
circumstances, alongside our training provision for
we created online resources for teachers, Scout and
our SRT members, puts us in an ideal position to help
other youth leaders. These creative and challenging
advance learning and development in the international
activities are being used successfully both in and out of
disaster management community and ensure the world’s
the classroom and young people are gaining a greater
most vulnerable people receive the most effective help
understanding about citizenship, the world they live in
when they need it the most.
and how they can make a positive difference.
Our Academy works with people from a number of
different sectors - from businesses to higher education,
journalists to humanitarian agencies, the Scouts to our
SRT members - to share skills, training and expertise,
boosting knowledge and capabilities.
Our Academy is constantly developing and forging ahead
with its mission to deliver world-class disaster relief
training and to inspire community resilience.
Photograph : Thomas Lay UK Photograph : Thomas Lay UK
As it continues to grow our Academy will ultimately
provide: college and university courses, international ‘This has been a wonderful experience for the school.
youth development programmes, corporate team and The children have really taken this to their hearts. It
leadership development, adventure training programmes, has enabled them to gain an appreciation of the
fieldwork and research projects, post-disaster analysis, impact disasters can have on communities and also
product development and research and continued practically what they can to do help.’
professional development for our SRT members. Headteacher, New Machar School, Aberdeenshire
To find out more, and to see all the courses on offer from
our Academy, please visit www.shelterboxacademy.org. ‘Your Scout activities are so well organised and
thought out that introducing the concepts was easy. I
can’t wait to do the exercises with my group.’
Scout Leader, Marcia Bettich
Photograph : Thomas Lay UK Photograph : Thomas Lay Colombia
15. SUPPORTERS:
GIVING THE GIFT
OF SHELTER
Tom Henderson’s message is simple: ‘Don’t do provides a tangible difference in disaster zones around
nothing, do something. We can all make a difference the world. There are many ways companies can support
no matter what we give.’ We are fortunate enough to our work and every donation makes a lasting difference.
have amazing supporters, volunteers and donors all The generosity of businesses who support us holds the
across the world. power to save people’s lives.
Day in and day out, these people make a real, tangible Strong Foundations
and lifesaving difference to the families in disaster zones Grants from trusts and foundations make a huge
who have lost everything. Everyone has something to difference to our capacity to reach disaster survivors
give and there are many ways you can help support worldwide and also support our training and education
ShelterBox. work. We are extremely grateful to all the trusts and
foundations whose support helps us to respond instantly
Ways of Giving
to disasters around the world. From small local family
Financial donations are the lifeblood of any charity and
Photograph : Thomas Lay Colombia trusts to large national foundations, every grant makes a
there are many ways you can support our work. We have
difference. Grants from trusts help us to prepare for the
a range of ways people can make donations to us, from
next disaster, to train volunteer SRTs and provide them
our legacies programme, to monthly giving, to picking
with equipment, teach young people about disasters,
up the phone and calling us or donating online. You can
expand our work with Scouts and support other essential
sponsor a ShelterBox and find out where in the world it
aspects of our work.
has gone or you can donate to the ShelterBox Disaster
Fund to help us prepare for when the next big disaster
strikes. Every donation, be it of time or money, will make
the difference to a family’s life.
Our Commitment to You
We are acutely aware that the work we do would not be
possible without the many thousands of donors who
so generously support ShelterBox. As a member of the
Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB) we have made
a public promise to adhere to best practice, honesty,
transparency, clarity and accountability in all fundraising
activities, enabling you to give with confidence.
Lasting Value
We are a lean organisation that benefits from the
tireless efforts of a strong and extensive support base
of volunteers. This is key in enabling us to keep our
overheads as low as possible, sometimes it is the same
volunteers who pack the boxes that deliver them in the
field. We make every donation count and ensure it helps
‘We feel a great sense of achievement in being able to
make the difference when disaster strikes.
make a difference to families around the world who
The Power of Generosity desperately need help. The simple gift of shelter makes
Corporate partners make a crucial contribution to our a huge difference to people’s lives.’
work. We receive invaluable support from a range of
John Thompson
businesses. This support supplements our mission and
ShelterBox Supporter and Volunteer
Photograph : Thomas Lay Haiti 27
16. TOTAL BOXES
In our first year of operation we delivered
243 boxes.
Since 2001 we have grown steadily although
the demands on the organisation can vary
significantly each year. Our goal is to be in a
position to deliver aid for 50,000 families a
year by 2013.
In 2010 the tragic earthquake in Haiti and
the further 19 disasters that we responded
to saw more than 45,000 boxes delivered
around the world.
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
‘ShelterBox is so efficient and quick. They get the
job done and their SRT members are amazing. They
respond so much quicker to the need of the people.’
Chris Hudson
Distribution Programme Manager for ACTED
28 Photograph : Thomas Lay Brazil Photograph : Becky Maynard Indonesia
17. THE FUTURE
If there is one thing we have learned through a We are fortunate enough to have a network of supporters
decade of delivering disaster relief, it is that the next who do not stop until the job is done. There will always
big disaster could be just around the corner. be disasters, always be families in need and we will
always be there to help.
We will respond to all disasters where there are families in
need of emergency shelter and we need your help to be Our vision is of a world where everyone affected by
ready to respond. We are constantly working to increase disaster has access to the shelter and basic equipment
our capacity to store and distribute ShelterBoxes so they need to survive and live in dignity and safety.
when the next catastrophic disaster happens we can
Our mission is to deliver humanitarian aid in the form of
respond instantly with large consignments of aid.
equipment and materials that provide shelter, warmth
The ShelterBox Disaster Fund has been established to and dignity to people affected by natural or manmade
facilitate this and will allow us to support the thousands disasters worldwide.
of families who will need our help when the next disaster
Our goal is to help 50,000 families who lose everything in
occurs.
a disaster every year and with your help we will achieve
this goal.
Photograph : Andy Green Colombia Photograph : Thomas Lay Haiti
18. THANK YOU
Message from Tom Henderson OBE
Founder and CEO
The last year has seen ShelterBox face some of its None of our work would be possible without the support
biggest challenges and we have proved, yet again, we receive. We’re always amazed by people, their
the absolute need for good quality emergency shelter generosity and the support they give us. The reflection
to protect the hundreds of thousands of lives that are is that people trust us to do the best job we can. People
threatened every year following disasters of all types are discerning about who they give to and rightly so.
and magnitudes. For us, the support we receive is an endorsement of our
work. People tell us: “We like what you do, we’ve seen
We’ve demonstrated, certainly over the last five years,
what you’ve done consistently and we’re here to help and
that delivering a quality aid package of shelter, warmth,
continue to support.”
comfort and this intangible dignity, is delivering a
solution. Part of that solution is the people, the process As ever it is hard to put into words our appreciation for
and the timing; it’s all encompassing. our biggest partnership - the support of Rotary clubs and
Rotarians around the world. Although the awareness of
We can do all of that in a short time frame and one of
ShelterBox amongst the general public grows at a rapid
our great strengths is our fleetness of foot. We have a
rate, Rotary support still contributes a very significant
willingness to accept the fact that everything’s been
percentage of donations. But their support reaches
overwhelmed and if you accept that, as we do here,
much further than the financial. Rotary clubs continue to
you’ve really got to think on your feet with the willingness
launch our new International Affiliates in countries around
to change almost minute by minute, hour by hour and
the globe; Rotarians continue to volunteer their time
overcome the challenges in front of you. We provide
to deliver aid on the ground and Rotarians, who many
quality equipment that takes care of a family, delivered by
of us have never met, act as our eyes and ears on the
quality people and our timely arrival allows us to operate
ground, supporting our deployments, providing critical
in the dust and the debris of a disaster.
information on areas of need, acting as consignees for
It’s all about delivering a package; that’s why it’s the deliveries of aid and providing logistics; and critically they
ShelterBox Solution. What we want is to be recognised offer both practical and emotional support to our teams
as leading by example as individuals and as an in the field. Support from the Rotary organisation and all
organisation. For us it’s about dignity and delivering the those committed Rotarians and Rotary clubs that have
best package we can. If we’re going to deliver a tent, we engaged and supported us all around the world makes us
want to deliver the best tent in the world. At the end of a truly global project.
the day we’re trying to save people’s lives and change
Thank you never seems to be enough; it’s a simple thing
people’s lives. This constant ambition to always make
to say thank you and we would like to extend a personal,
it the best is about recognising the people you’re going
heartfelt thank you to every individual around the world
to help deserve to be helped; it’s not their fault they’re
who has contributed to our huge aid efforts that have
in a disaster. Most people are just ordinary people going
saved and protected hundreds of thousands of lives.
about their business trying to look after themselves and
their families.
06 Photograph : Thomas Lay UK
19. DISASTER
RELIEF
ShelterBox
is a registered charity and a Global Rotary Club Project
President Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall
Charity no: 1096479
ShelterBox
Unit 1A, Water-Ma-Trout, T - +44 (0) 1326 569782
Helston, Cornwall, F - +44 (0) 1326 572336
TR13 0LW, United Kingdom E - info@shelterbox.org