Shelter Box 2020

Despite the global pandemic, the world-wide Rotary network is still responding to disasters by providing ShelterBoxes to people affected by natural or man-made catastrophes all over the world. The ShelterBox system ensures that families have a tent and essential items such as a stove, cooking utensils and water purifying equipment.

INDIA

In May the coastal regions of West Bengal and Odisha in India were hit by the strongest storm to strike the Bay of Bengal this decade. Rotary partnered with Habitat for Humanity India to conduct a joint response to aid the many thousands left homeless.

BURKINA FASO

Burkina Faso is suffering one of the fastest-growing humanitarian crises in Africa. Over 800,000 have now been displaced from their homes due to increasing violence from extremist groups. Working with HELP (Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe) a German humanitarian agency, Rotary aid through ShelterBox will help make shelters in the camps weatherproof, warm and secure.

VANUATU

In April this year, Cyclone Harold hit Vanuatu off the north coast of Australia. Several islands in the archipelago were devastated. Homes and crops were destroyed and around 160,000 people were affected. As the lockdown of the Pacific Islands prevents international teams from entering the country, Rotary used local contacts and partners to help the communities worst hit.

COVID RESTRICTIONS

Measures to control exposure to Covid are a significant factor in dealing with all of these emergencies. Education about social distancing and informing communities about the dangers of the virus are essential to help reduce the likelihood of the disease spreading in vulnerable communities.

Despite the pandemic, when disaster strikes, Rotary is there to help.