To say the last year and a half has been difficult would be an understatement.

Yet, our incredible community of ShelterBox supporters continued to give us hope and inspiration through their fundraising efforts. From physical challenges to camping in the freezing cold, they proved that nothing would stop them from getting aid to families who need it most. Here are five of our favorite and most inspiring fundraising stories from this past year.

Jasmine “Rudderly Mad” Harrison

We will forever be in complete oar of Jasmine Harrison. On 20 February, she rowed into the shores of Antigua and into history books as the youngest female to solo row across the Atlantic Ocean.

When we first met Jasmine a couple of years ago, she had never even rowed before, but that wasn’t going to stop her from taking on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – also known as the toughest challenge in the world. Setting sail from Antigua on 12 December, Jasmine would spend the next 70 days rowing 3,000 miles to Antigua and raising over £15,000 for ShelterBox and the Blue Marine Foundation.

Sailing the Norfolk Broads in a ShelterBoat

Speaking of achievements on the water, the Watton and District Rotary Club built a vessel that none of us would have ever imagined – a sailboat from our iconic green box!

Dubbed the ‘Green Light’, the ShelterBoat made its maiden voyage in August with Paul Weatherill at its helm. Over the course of three days, Paul sailed 40 miles around the Norfolk Broads to raise money for families who lost their homes to disasters or conflict.

Ken’s Burpee Challenge

Most of us shudder at the thought of doing 1 burpee. Ken, outgoing president of the Thurso Rotary Club, completed 3,000 to raise money for ShelterBox.

Or – as Ken liked to put it – he fell down and got up again 3,000 times to help families who have been made homeless by disaster or conflict. Although it was an incredible feat, we can’t give him all the credit – his son and trusty sidekick Callum was there every step of the way to help!

Tent for Lent

Throughout Lent, Tent Tuesday became our favorite day of the week.

From 17 February to 4 April, our amazing supporter Lesley camped out in her garden every Tuesday in support of Tent for Lent. She even inspired her friend’s sons to do the same. Understanding that having somewhere safe and warm to call home is a human right, Lesley and the boys braved howling winds, deafening rain, and below freezing temperatures to raise enough money for four tents.

ShelterBox’s Team Three Peak

In a year where our Operations Coordinators were unable to travel to the communities we support, they continued to make a difference at home in the UK.

In July, six ShelterBox team members took on the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing the highest mountains in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike) and Wales (Snowdon). Facing off against rain, hail, and the occasional sheep in the road, they climbed over 10,000 feet and walked 23 miles, all within 24 hours.