Global Support
The global support from the Rotary International network is the cornerstone upon which ShelterBox is built.
In April 2000, the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in Cornwall, England adopted ShelterBox as its millennium project. Little did they know that it would become the largest Club project in the world, responding to disasters and conflict across the globe and providing emergency shelter to over one million people.
Rotary has been instrumental in our growth and is the cement that binds us together. Since ShelterBox was founded, we have grown from one club’s adopted project to Rotary International’s only Project Partner in disaster relief. Their global network has been key in our international growth.
At present, all ShelterBox affiliates have been set up by Rotarians or Rotaractors and the growth has been phenomenal.
In 2012, ShelterBox became Rotary International’s first Project Partner and remains the only disaster relief charity.
This agreement enables both organizations to collaborate more closely to bring relief and temporary shelter to survivors of disasters worldwide. The project partnership has built on both organization’s strengths in responding to disasters all over the world.
Mutual benefits for both organizations are enormous. We receive incredible support from Rotary and, equally, we are acting as a catalyst in encouraging more people the world over to become involved with their local Club.
ShelterBox can provide support as a club’s international project via speakers and supplemental material. Plus, ShelterBox offers multiple youth opportunities for culture exchange and leadership training.
Rotary joins other international agencies in providing immediate relief to disaster survivors through our partnership with ShelterBox and mobilizing our expertise to support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.”
– Gary C.K. Huang, 2014-15 Rotary International President
MUTUAL BENEFITS
Logistical Support
Rotary International’s logistical support on ShelterBox deployments is just as critical as the generous financial support we receive from Rotarians and Clubs worldwide.
The fundraising efforts by Rotarians make up a significant proportion of donations received by ShelterBox. Alongside this, Clubs provide invaluable support to our field operations.
Rotarians will often be the people who ensure our aid can be delivered into a country by acting as consignees. These essential acts mean we can deliver aid to people in need as quickly as possible.
More often than not, it will be Rotarians and Clubs who are the first point of contact for the SRT members when they arrive in a country that has been devastated by a disaster.
They provide support with everything from transport, translators, local knowledge, even a bed and a hot meal.
Stronger Together
In 2018 with the support of Rotary Clubs from around the world, we provided shelter and supplies for 210,000 people whose lives were devastated by disaster.
We were able to respond to world events 18 times, sending a variety of essential shelter and aid items to 17 different countries.
10 of the countries we operated in were affected by disasters, in most of which Rotary clubs provided invaluable in-country assistance.
Each year, Rotary helps us to go further, support more people and access areas that would otherwise be impossible to reach.
Learn more about the extraordinary work of Rotary International by visiting their website: rotary.org
ShelterBox HERO
A ShelterBox HERO is a Rotary Club who has committed to making an ongoing impact in worldwide disaster response by pledging to support ShelterBox annually for three consecutive years. Sustained annual donations help ShelterBox stay prepared for upcoming disasters.
Learn how your Club can make a difference.
ShelterBox Youth Exchange Program
ShelterBox’s Youth Exchange is an exciting opportunity for participants of the program to develop their skills in several areas (including public speaking), support a Global Rotary Club Project and make a real difference to communities across the globe who have lost everything.
Spread the word and get your pin badge!
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
RYLA is Rotary’s leadership training program for young people. It is a unique opportunity for tomorrow’s leaders to gain hands-on experience in developing leadership skills with a focus on community service.
Consider making the ShelterBox Experience a part of your next RYLA Conference!
Rotary Club Champion
Are you a Rotary Club member? Interested in being a Club Champion for ShelterBox?
Sign up to receive deployment updates and access to pertinent webinar training so you can be up-to-date and share the latest disaster relief info with your Rotary Club.
Ambassador
Ambassadors are the face of ShelterBox USA in their community and aim to raise awareness and funds about our work. We’re looking for people who are friendly, reliable, self-driven and are good communicators.
Apply to start spreading the word and rallying support for ShelterBox within your local community.
Take Action
The Action Toolkit is designed to provide the information and tools needed to support the partnership between Rotary and ShelterBox.
Find out how to get involved, generate awareness, and raise funds to help vulnerable families after disaster.
Nepal Earthquake
In April of 2015, the first of several massive earthquakes shook Nepal to its very core.
The first tremor measured a shocking 7.8 in magnitude. It was felt as far away as Delhi and whole villages across Nepal were flattened.
However, thanks to our partnership with Rotary, we received reports from local Rotarians and Rotaractors on the ground.
These first-hand accounts enabled us to build a picture of the devastation and to put a plan into action within hours.
Meet Ashish. Ashish is one of the Rotaractors whose amazing support, knowledge and dedication has helped to bring about lasting change to communities in need across Nepal.