In the year 2000, in the small town of Helston in Cornwall, UK, an NGO known as ShelterBox was set up by former rescue diver Tom Henderson. This charity began by sending out boxes of supplies directly to families affected by natural disasters. These boxes were known as “ShelterBoxes”. Their first action was distributing 143 boxes to families affected by the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake.
Today, ShelterBox has aided more than 1.5 million people by providing shelter. They operate in 97 different countries, with a separate branch being formed altogether, specialising in aiding families in the Philippines. Due to the geography of this country, and the nature of typhoons, as they grow more powerful travelling over bodies of water, the Philippines is prone to facing multiple tropical storms every year.
This branch of ShelterBox, ShelterBox Operations Philippines, has assisted thousands of families. When Super typhoon Rai (known as Odette locally) crossed over 11 provinces in the Philippines in 2021, hundreds of thousands of people were displaced or left homeless. Following the assistance supplied from the Philippines Navy, ShelterBox was able to provide 20,000 families with shelter kits, tarpaulins and other essentials to Filipinos, located in the Cebu and Bohol region of the country.
ShelterBox have recently turned their attention to Gaza, setting up an appeal to raise donations for those affected. Their current aim is to provide as many affected people with shelter as possible.
By Nathan Yr9
Carre’s Grammar School Sleaford,
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What a very informative and well written article, which has prompted me to find out more! So important to remember those around the world who are less fortunate than ourselves. What an amazing charity.
Learnt something new today!! Well done Nathan, another great article!