Campbell River, January 27 2010 — Recognizing the importance of aid to assist those devastated by the massive earthquake in Haiti, the BC Salmon Farmer’s Association has donated $3000 to ShelterBox, a non-profit organization with a unique approach to delivering immediate relief to victims of natural and other disasters.
The organization takes its name from the “ShelterBoxes” it delivers. 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 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 tablet; a basic tool kit – hammer, axe, saw, pliers, hoe head, trenching shovel, rope etc; and a small children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons, pens etc.
The unique ShelterBox concept was thought up and developed by ex-Royal Navy search-and-rescue diver Tom Henderson – the charity’s founder and general manager. ShelterBox is based in the United Kingdom with offices in many other countries, including a Canadian office in Victoria. The donation from the BC Salmon Farmers will enable the purchase of three ShelterBoxes which will be delivered to Haiti.
“We thought the ShelterBox concept was fantastic as it delivers the type of aid that makes an immediate difference to those in need,” says Mary Ellen Walling, executive director, BCSFA. “We are so privileged and the need in Haiti so great. We hope others will join with us to support the Haitian people and to show the spirit of our aquaculture community.”
For more information, please visit: http://www.shelterbox.ca/
