The ShelterBox Emergency Disaster Relief charity based in the South West has been at work for twenty years now – its first outing being the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004, as reported in a dramatic talk locally last week.
There has been a lot of fund-raising happening in Devon – with several champions doing great things of late, from Delia’s 100-mile fundraiser to one man’s ultra-marathon to another Devon man giving up his bed in aid of the Tent for Lent appeal.
And in Sidmouth too, there has been the Rotary Club having fun whilst serving communities and a nursing home raising funds and buying shelterboxes
The latest Herald carries a letter from ShelterBox appealing for volunteers:
Join the team of volunteers at ShelterBox today
When there’s so much conflict and so many disasters around the world, it can be hard to know how to support.
As we start the new year with more people than ever displaced from their homes, at ShelterBox we’re appealing locally for volunteers to join us in making sure no one is left without shelter after a disaster.
Like many charities, the one I work for relies on volunteers in the local area to raise vital funds and awareness of our work and the people we serve.
At ShelterBox, our volunteers have a global impact and make a tangible difference in the lives of people uprooted by conflict, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and extreme weather like drought, flooding, and tropical storms.
One of the first disasters that ShelterBox responded to was the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004. Our response, 20 years ago, was only possible because of people willing to volunteer their time.
And it’s no different today.
Our work continues at scale, supporting people around the world whose homes have been damaged or destroyed. Right now, we’re supporting people affected by Cyclone Chido and by conflict in countries in Africa and the Middle East.
Thanks to our volunteers and supporters, we’ve reached more than three million people across around 100 countries since we were formed 25 years ago by Rotary volunteers.
Every contribution is just as crucial as it was when we first started – whether it’s fundraising, hosting events, delivering talks to school children and community groups, or sharing our work on social media.
Volunteering with ShelterBox offers a special opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and gain insights into the humanitarian sector.
The roles are very flexible around your skills and the time you can give. If you think it might be for you, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact me directly via jennifersandiford@shelterbox.org or visit shelterbox.org/volunteer/ambassadors to find out more.
Jenn Sandiford
Community volunteer engagement officer, ShelterBox
Letter: Join the team of volunteers at ShelterBox today | Sidmouth Herald
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