Rotary Cub of Truro Donates Shelter Boxes to Haiti

Posted by Jim Goit

The Rotary Club Truro is encouraging members to support the purchase of ShelterBoxes that will go toward relief efforts in Haiti.

So far our club members have pledged enough for two of the $1,000 boxes. The Club will match that amount to buy another two boxes. The Nova Scotia Community College has put on a big drive within their campus and is expecting to contribute enough for an additional two boxes.

One of our members had supplied information to one of his clients and they have donated $2,000 directly to ShelterBox. Members report that many of their business are in the process of fundraising toward the effort.

So far Rotarians have either pledged or influenced approximately $15,000 for ShelterBox and after CIDA matches it we will have helped raise over $30,000. This is enough to provide for at least 30 shelters.

The ShelterBox project was officially launched by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard, England in April 2000 and to date has provided shelter to over half a million people in 31 countries hit by devastating disasters. Each ShelterBox is a large, rugged, green plastic container that holds a 10-person tent and a range of other equipment.
In general, typical box contents could include:

       Thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets
       Waterproof ponchos and bin bags
       A multi-fuel stove that can burn anything from diesel to old paint!
       Cooking pans, utensils, bowls and mugs
       Collapsible water containers and water purification tablets
       A basic tool kit - hammer, axe, saw, pliers, hoe head, trenching shovel, rope etc
        A small, children's pack containing drawing books, crayons, pens etc.

ShelterBox Canada has its own website. http://shelterbox.org/    All Donations are tax deductable.

If any other member is fundraising towards ShelterBox, please let President Brian know so he can include it in a report to the District. Donations from non Rotarians are also welcome. You can send donations to he Rotary Club of Truro, Box 115, Truro, NS. B2N 5B6