"ShelterBox is made up of people who believe in shelter as a human right – that shelter from the chaos of disaster and conflict is vital. No ifs. No buts."
During the NYSF 2017 January Sessions students turned their love of chocolate into a fundraising event. Through the sale of chocolates during session, NYSF students raised $1000, and elected to sponsor a ShelterBox.
What is a ShelterBox you may ask? ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity that delivers emergency shelter and vital aid to people affected by disaster worldwide. Working closely with Rotary (90% of ShelterBox deployments involve local Rotary clubs), aid supplied comes in the form of ShelterBoxes and ShelterKits. Sturdy green ShelterBoxes contain family-sized tents specially designed to withstand the elements and provide people with temporary shelter until they can start the process of rebuilding a home. ShelterKits contain essential tools people need to start repairing and rebuilding homes straight away. Kits and boxes also contain the items that help transform shelter into a home - like cooking sets, solar lights and activity sets for children.
Chief Executive Officer of Shelterbox Australia, Mike Greenslade, said the Shelterbox would provide much needed relief to a family suffering after a disaster.
“ShelterBox is made up of people who believe in shelter as a human right – that shelter from the chaos of disaster and conflict is vital. No ifs. No buts. This drives us to transform the support of Rotary, our donors, fundraisers and volunteers into the hope and power of families all over the world - the power to rebuild homes, lives and communities.”
Most recently ShelterBox has provided aid to people affected by the conflict in Syria, flooding in Peru, the drought crisis in Somaliland and the Columbian landslides.
Mr Greenslade highlighted the important role science plays in providing a high quality ShelterBox that meets the needs of those affected.
“I’m thrilled that January’s National Youth Science Forum students chose to support disaster relief by sponsoring a ShelterBox. There is plenty of science contained in our green boxes, from the water filters capable of removing microbiological hazards and heavy metals to the compact, inflatable solar lights. Then there's our relief tent, capable of withstanding 90 kilometre per hour winds, tropical rains, UV protected and vector proof.
"The box sponsored by the NYSF will make a world of difference to a family who has lost everything to disaster and help them get back on their feet. My heartfelt thanks to all those that contributed.”
Where will our ShelterBox be going? We will have to wait and see, each box bears its own unique number so we can track it online all the way to its recipient country following deployment. We’ll keep you posted about its final destination!
To find out more about ShelterBox or to donate go to http://www.shelterboxaustralia.com.au