?14,000 was raised by islanders and visitors on the Isles of Scilly in response to the Christmas 2004 Asian Tsunami Appeal ? and this week we can see exactly how the money was spent.
The collection, organised by the IOS Rotary Club, funded 28 Shelter Boxes to provide essential tools and shelter to families left homeless by the disaster.
Now Shelter Box field specialist Ken Wilkins, who recently returned from a mission to Pakistan, will demonstrate exactly how a shelterbox is used ? and talk about his extroadinary experiences - at a meeting of Scilly’s Rotary Club on March 22.
A Rotary Shelter Box is a survival kit typically containing a tent, sleeping bags, water purifying tablets, candles, rope, shovel, windup flashlight, cooking pans, and other essential tools and equipment for ten people. They are designed to provide a temporary roof for homeless families for at least six months, in addition to furnishing the basics to help them start their lives afresh.
Each box costs an average of ?490.00, most of the funding coming as donations from Rotary Clubs around the world, as well as other organisations and individuals supporting the project.
The brainchild of ex-Naval officer and Helston-Lizard Rotary Club member Tom Henderson, the project is administered by the Helston-Lizard Club and sent worldwide through Rotary and International Relief Organisations.
Shelter Boxes funded by Rotary Clubs are held centrally until they can be shipped off in the event of a disaster.
Thanks to the generosity of people on the Islands, up to 280 people were given a crucial helping hand when they needed it most.
Check out a Shelter Box and hear Ken Wilkins’ fascinating experiences at:
St. Mary’s Church Hall Wednesday 22nd March 7:30 p.m. Free Admission All welcome