Shelterbox June17 Newsletter
eNewsletter June 2017
ShelterBox is proud to be a Project Partner of Rotary InternationalThe following Newsletter has been copied with the kind permission of Mike Greenslade - CEO Shelterbox Australia
Syrian children smile inside their ShelterBox tent, El Minie refugee camp, Lebanon, 2013 Dear Rotary President Today is 'WORLD REFUGEE DAY'. UN Secretary-General, António Guterres recently said, "I’ve met so many who have lost so much. But they never lose their dreams for their children or their desire to better our world. They ask for little in return – only our support in their time of greatest need". I find it hard to believe that it was four years ago that I was in Lebanon with ShelterBox, assisting Syrian refugees. What struck me most was the humility and patience of the refugees, the stoicism and good humour; not forgetting the generosity and warmth of their hosts. In 2017, the problems and the causes persist. Refugees are people just like you and I. Before they were forced to flee their homelands, they had houses and jobs, families and community. They went to work, attended family events, they dined together, celebrated, aspired, mourned, and dreamt of a better future for their children. Just like you and I. For many years, ShelterBox has been working with partners around the world to ease the plight of refugees, most of whom just want to return home; to normality and safety. Currently we are working in Syria, Iraq and Central Africa with refugees fleeing conflict. In Somaliland, we're helping environmental refugees fleeing drought and famine. Right now, over 65 million people are displaced worldwide. This is a huge figure but it only makes us more determined to do what we can to ensure that no family goes without shelter. As we approach the end of the financial year, I thank you for your continued support and remind you that all donations are tax-deductible. This month's quote comes from Dame Judi Dench, “I support ShelterBox and the crucial work they do all over the world helping families who have lost everything. Shelter and togetherness are stepping-stones to recovery. If you are able, please give what you can” Please feel free to contact me if you have any queries. All the best Mike Mike Greenslade CEO ShelterBox Australia 0459 959 501 mike.greenslade@shelterbox.org.au
FUNDRAISING RC CHATSWOOD - International Dinner The 45th International Dinner held by the Rotary Club of Chatswood served as a fitting farewell to ShelterBox Ambassador, Dieter Torheiden, the organiser of the dinners. Over a 12-year period, 2,261 attendances by 171 attendees raised over $80,000 for disaster relief. ShelterBox CEO, Mike Greenslade was on hand to accept a cheque for $12,000 and to give Dieter a 'Distinguished Service Award'. The Chatswood club were also given a Certificate of Appreciation. Club President Robyn Gaspari AM, awarded Julie Taylor the “ShelterBox HERO” certificate for her 6x $500 donations to ShelterBox and Dieter receive a well-deserved third Paul Harris Fellowship. Thank you, Dieter and all at Chatswood Rotary for your wonderful support! LAEN WILKIN - BALLINA TO BYRON BAY BIKE RIDE Year six Alstonville Public School student. Laen Wilkin will be cycling from Ballina to Byron Bay from 1st to 5th August to raise money and awareness for ShelterBox. Riding a bike kindly provided by Transition Cycles in Ballina, Laen will tow a trailer with a ShelterBox in it. Over the course of his ride, Laen will stop off at local schools to talk about ShelterBox and raise money through gold coin donations. Laen said, "Whilst travelling, I will be camping using only the items in a Shelterbox other than food, which will mean that I am using the same resources as the many people that have received a Shelterbox." Laen has created his own fundraising page via the ShelterBox Australia website. Those wishing to support his efforts can donate via: Ballina to Byron Bike Ride If you're running in the event and want to raise even more money for ShelterBox, why not create your own fundraising page at: Create Your Own Page good2give - Workplace giving ShelterBox Australia has been accepted by good2give, Australia's leading payroll-giving organisation. Good2give make it easy for businesses and individuals to support the charity of their choice. Ask at your workplace or visit: https://good2give.ngo/ to find out more. Many employers (60% of those registered) will match your gift and double the impact you have on families in need. Have you held a successful fundraising event or are you planning one? Please send me the details, including images, for inclusion in the next newsletter and promotion on the ShelterBox Australia Blog at: |