AT OUR CLUB OCTOBER 5, 2021 Feature Presentation:    Meg Schmieder, ShelterBox Canada

Meg Schmeider, Fundraising Coordinator for #ShelterBoxCanada gave an outstanding overview of Shelterbox Canada and its much needed assistance providing shelter kits for some of the many millions in dire need after natural disasters.  It is part of an international organization.
      
ShelterBox was started by a Rotarian in Cornwall England in 2000, looking for a worthwhile international Millennial project.  Rotarians Ron Noseworthy in Kenora and Jackie Dojack and Maria Hudolin at PA Rotary took up the challenge locally.

See https://www.shelterboxcanada.org/ for inspiration and information. 

Meg began with "Why We Exist". We heard about their Coronavirus adaptation, international disaster site recipients, equipment and partners.  Local Rotary Clubs in disaster zones play a key role for distribution of ShelterBoxes.  Meg pointed out some fun, creative ways to raise support.
 

President Jim Madder and veteran Rotarians Jackie Dojack and Roly Turner confirmed our Club's long commitment to this cause.  We may put our box, bought as a demonstration, to actual good use!

Meg was introduced by Jackie Dojack and thanked by Mary-Anne Mackett.

For detailed answers to questions in the Q&A ...
 
A big thank you again for inviting me to your Rotary meeting today to deliver a ShelterBox presentation! I wanted to follow up to give a more in depth answer to a few of the questions from your fellow Rotarians:
 
Q: How do we decide where to respond?
A: We have a “Decision to Respond Criteria” that can be reviewed here: Decision to deploy criteria - ShelterBox Canada
 
Q: How long does a water filtration device and tent last?:
A: Water filter on average lasts for about 2 months for a family of 5, which in our experience is an appropriate amount of time that they would need it for,. If we know they will need it for longer we provide more than one or extra filters. As for tents, our ultimate goal is to get folks back into permanent housing, however the tent is made to last years if necessary. For example, folks in Haiti are still using the tents we delivered in 2010 in response to the earthquake – that’s over 10 years and the tents are still doing well. In harsher climates where we are responding for a longer period of time, we will replace tents every 2-3 years.
 
Q: How do your response team members stay safe in areas notoriously dangerous?
A: All response members are highly trained and equipped for whatever they are responding to. We also have a myriad of safety protocols. On top of this, we also have 24/7 support from International SOS. Working with in country partners who live in the region, speak the language, and come from the same cultural background as those who are experiencing the consequences of a disaster/conflict is also key. Our response team will deliver aid and training, however our in-country partners will actually be the ones to engage with beneficiaries. This isn’t because we value our safety over our in-country partner members, it’s that it’s much more safe for beneficiaries to be seen with locals than foreign aid workers.
 
If there are any other questions or feedback from today’s presentation, please feel free to reach out. Let’s stay connected!
 
With gratitude,
Meg
 
Meg Schmieder (They/She)
Community Fundraising Coordinator
ShelterBox Canada
 
159 Jane Street, Office 2
Toronto, Ontario, M6S 3Y8
Office: 647-352-1930