Bill Tobin, from ShelterBox USA, an international nonprofit providing aid to refugees, introduced the organization to members and spoke about their historical and current efforts.The September 1, 2022 meeting of the Rotary Club of Chickasha was called to order by President Lewis Knisley. Rot. Mitch Williams led the club in singing "Another Day in Paradise".
As Rotarian of the Day, Pres. Knisley introduced the week's speaker, Bill Tobin. Tobin is Rotary Relations Manager for ShelterBox USA, a nonprofit disaster relief organization. Tobin spoke to the club via Zoom.Tobin explained that ties between Rotary and ShelterBox go all the way back to its founding. The organization began in 2000 as a project of the Rotary Club of Helston Lizard in Cornwall, England. The original green "ShelterBox" contained tents, water purification tablets, mosquito netting, and numerous other supplies to serve displaced families. The fundraising far exceeded expectations, and the club's very first deployment aided 140 families.
The project quickly outgrew the capacity of the Helston Lizard club, and thus the ShelterBox Trust was founded. Tobin detailed some of the other changes the organization has made over the years. One of the biggest changes is that rather than sending complete, one-size-fits-all boxes, boxes are now packed at the point of distribution. This allows ShelterBox to be more efficient in shipping but also allows them to tailor each box to the specific needs of the recipient.
ShelterBox serves families displaced by either natural disasters or by human conflict. Their goal is to provide not just relief, but also a path to recovery. Tobin pointed out that ShelterBox's mission aligns with Rotary's areas of focus, especially in serving the underserved. He said that approximately 40 percent of their work goes towards conflict refugees, and the remaining 60 percent to those displaced by natural disasters.
The need for aid is dire and continually growing. UN statistics estimate that some 89.3 million people were displaced as a result of conflict as of 2021. Another 23.2 million are displaced by natural disasters (10-year average). ShelterBox partners with local Rotary clubs to distribute aid, but is also a part of the UN Shelter Cluster, which allows them to partner with other international organizations.
ShelterBox is currently operating 13 projects in 10 countries. Tobin described some of their more recent projects:
- Some of these projects have been serving the internally displaced in the Ukraine. The organization has provided mattresses, as well as "ShelterKits" which will help shore up existing buildings damaged in the conflict. Their next project will include resources to winterize homes.
- ShelterBox has served some 500,000 people in Syria since 2011. Tobin pointed out that it is especially hard to raise funding for prolonged displacements—especially conflict-related ones, such as in Syria.
- 10 projects in the past 7 years have aided a refugee camp in Cameroon (see right). New arrivals to the camp are sheltered in these tents, while those staying for a prolonged time are provided a more permanent shelter.
- ShelterBox enlists community leaders' input to ensure that aid is allocated fairly and appropriately. In Yemen, one need that was addressed was the creation and training of a fire brigade, as well as providing extinguishers and other supplies.
Approximately 2.5 million people are currently sheltered as a result of ShelterBox's efforts. Asked if there was a specific cost for each box, Tobin said that it varied from country to country. A family in the Philippines could be sheltered for $200, while a box for a family in Syria might cost $400-500. ShelterBox says that $1,000 will definitely serve at least one family. As such, Rotary Clubs that donate $1,000 or more receive special recognition.
Notice: The Chickasha Rotary Club Board will be considering grant applications for this fiscal year in the coming weeks. Input from members is encouraged. For more information, contact a Board member.