eNewsletter June 2017

ShelterBox is proud to be a Project Partner of Rotary International
 
The 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
 
 
DEPLOYMENTS
SOMALILAND - Displacement by Drought 
 
 
Somaliland has a population of 3 million, many of them refugees from neighbouring countries. 1.5 million are nomads who's lives depend on livestock. An ongoing drought has led to the death of 70% of that livestock and high levels of displacement, as families travel in search of pasture. Shelter provision is an urgent concern. ShelterBox has signed an agreement with Action Aid to provide ShelterKits & essential items like mosquito nets and solar lights to an initial 441 families. Pre-positioned stock will be flown in from Dubai and Malaysia.
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SYRIA - CONFLICT
 
 
It has been six years since conflict in Syria broke out. Since 2011. 6.6 million people have been displaced inside Syria, a further 4.8 million Syrian refugees are residing in neighboring countries. The rebels have lost 90% of their territory as the Syrian government has retaken key areas. ShelterBox continues to work with our partners on the ground, Relief Aid and Hand in Hand for Syria. 2,300 ShelterKits and 53 SchoolBoxes are in the distribution pipeline, along with summer essentials like mosquito nets.
 
COLOMBIA - Floods and Landslides
 
 
Back in April heavy rain flooded the town of Mocoa in the country's south-west, with mud and rocks burying whole neighbourhoods and forcing residents to flee their homes. The total death toll exceeds 300, with hundreds also injured. Working with local partners, we have distributed 65 ShelterBoxes in Mocoa. A further 65 boxes are due to be distributed to families in Bagado and Alto Baudo once security concerns have been overcome.
 
 
ShelterBox has ongoing deployments in Cameroon, Chad, Iraq and Niger. Shelter needs in Sri Lanka, following Monsoon flooding, have been met locally.
 
 
   
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: