Project Partner Shelter Box

As a project partner of Rotary International, the logistical support ShelterBox receives during a disaster response is invaluable. From finding translators to identifying the most vulnerable, Rotarians and Clubs help us to deliver shelter, warmth and dignity around the world.

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 Rotary 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 Rotarians are 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.

The global Rotary 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 remians 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.

The benefits to both ShelterBox and Rotary 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 Rotary Club. ShelterBox can provide support as a club’s international project via speakers and supplemental material. Plus, ShelterBox offers multiple youth opportunites for culture exchange and leadership training. (See panel at right for more info)

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, Rotary 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 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 everything from logistical support, translators, local knowledge, to a bed to sleep in.

Thanks to the support and generosity of Rotary International, ShelterBox is able to deliver dignity and hope to families in need around the world. 

Find out more about the extraordinary work of our project partner Rotary International, by visiting their website.

Looking to help disaster survivors? ShelterBox offers numerous ways to get involved as a volunteer, fundrasier or via different types of donations.