ShelterBox: Rotary's First Response.

Our meeting held on Tuesday May 4, 2023, was an inspiring presentation given by Mike Greenslade, CEO ShelterBox Australia. Mike was introduced by club member Yvonne Howie, who is on the Board of ShelterBox Australia.

 

 The presentation was via ZOOM since Mike lives on the North Coast of NSW.

 

ShelterBox is a disaster relief operation - Mike explained he has been a ShelterBox Response Team member since 2006 and has deployed 22 times to disaster zones around the world.

 

 

 A short video:

 

 

Mike said the response in Australia to the earthquake in Turkey/ Syria raised $700 thousand and is in the top 3 countries following USA and UK. The nature of the response was outlined in the video by Mark Austin.

 

 

ShelterBox started in UK in 2000 as a large plastic box containing a tent, blankets, kitchen set, solar lights, toolkit, children’s activities and has been sent to 44 different countries over the world.

 

In Turkey/Syria relief for 12,000 families was being dispatched within 48 hours. The concept and initial design has over time now was now developed into a ShelterKit, since one size doesn’t fit all needs. The ShelterKit contents varies from region to region (and climate conditions – thermal blankets v mosquito nets) where different items are deployed depending on the type of disaster. (e.g., floods v’s warzone).

 

A key element of the success has been the consultation with locals (and here Rotary is the great connection) – rarely is a ‘box ‘delivered as such; often woven mats are required in Muslim countries. In Syria heavier tents for large extended families with warm clothing for children was deployed. Often materials are purchased locally since it stimulates the economy and speeds recovery. ShelterBox and ShelterKits don’t contain food due to the differing dietary requirements between regions and buying locally assists recovery. Stoves are often locally obtained for similar reasons.

 

 

Mike explained that often ShelterKits assist communities establish communications. The solar light besides being inflatable and allowing families to function after dark, also has a USB charger model allowing mobile phones to still operate despite lack of reliable if any electricity connections in many regions.

 

 

Our region has an operation based in Philippines where a paid coordination team is employed. Warehousing is done in a NGO. The cooperation with local Rotary clubs is invaluable to provide a quick assessment of requirements and priorities to the coordination centre. The UK logistics centre is all staffed by volunteers.  Each kit now cost approximately $1,250 and warehouses are in a number of places around the world, frequently to have greater access to less developed countries.

 

 

Mike said a number of fundraising activities are planned a hke through Yosemite National park and Tasmanian Rain Forest trek both this year, and Kokoda track in 2024.

 

 

 

The audience really appreciated the time Mike spent telling the club about the wonderful work that ShelterBox dose worldwide and in conjunction with Rotary.

 

 

Yvonne presenting Mike our club's certificate of Appreciation

 

FORWARD PLANNING

Formal Meeting April 18th, 2023 (Tuesday)

Balgowlah Rotary Club Meeting

Balgowlah RSL Wine Room from 7pm and via Zoom

Dinner available in Bistro from 6 pm.

 

Vocational & Community Awards May 2nd, 2023. (Tuesday)

Event  Wakehurst Golf Club Wine Room - 6;00pm for 6:30pm. Booking essential.

 

 

Formal Meeting May 16th, 2023. (Tuesday) Balgowlah Rotary Club Meeting

Balgowlah RSL Wine Room from 7pm and via Zoom

Dinner available in Bistro from 6 pm

 

Rotary International Convention May 27-31st 2023. (Tuesday)

Rotary International Convention in Melbourne.

Meet Rotarians form all over the world.

This is where the Rotary world comes together to exchange ideas, share project successes, and have fun!

Save the date.

 

Formal Meeting June 6th, 2023. (Tuesday)

Balgowlah Rotary Club Meeting

Balgowlah RSL Wine Room from 7pm and via Zoom

Dinner available in Bistro from 6 pm

 

Changeover June 20th, 2023. (Tuesday)

Balgowlah RSL Wine Room - details to be confirmed.

 FINALLY