Two years after an earthquake devastated Haiti, more than 200,000 people are still living in ShelterBox tents provided by Rotary, says Liz Thwing of the Delta Rotary Club in Eugene, Ore. Through ShelterBox USA, Rotarians provide immediate shelter relief within 24 hours of a disastrous event.
“Rotarians are often the first group in to help with ShelterBox and the last to leave,” said Thwing.
The first ShelterBoxes were delivered in 2001. The box includes a 10-person tent, outdoor cooking stove, pots, pans, dishes, tools and items to provide shelter, clean water, comfort, and dignity for people suffering in a disater. In addition to Haiti, ShelterBoxes have been delivered to Pakistan, Nepaul, Brazil and other nations where help is needed.
Nearly 22 percent of Rotary Clubs in the United States are contributing to the program. Oregon has three clubs participating. Greater Corvallis Rotary has contributed to the assembly of two ShelterBoxes used in relief efforts.
