A Rotary program that started in 2000 is continuing to grow.
The Shelter Box provides shelter, emergency services and resources to those who are left homeless due to natural disasters or conflicts around the world.
Ron and Claire Noseworthy say Rotary relies on public funds to run the program, stressing they don’t receive government or private financing. Ron says right now they are able to help roughly 130,000-150,000 people a year, and their target is providing support for 1-million people a year by 2025. He says that means that will need to bring in some $220-million by 2050. Ron says currently they raise an average of $8-million, stressing that has to be ramped up considerably.
A UN report shows that 85-million people are currently displaced and that number will go up on a yearly basis.
Carol notes they are also now offering Shelter Kits to help those who are without a home.
She says those kits costs a tenth of the price of a Shelter Box, stating the kits consist of tools, tarps, nails and all of the fixings to build a shelter or to make repairs.
The Noseworthy’s add the entire community of Dryden has been supportive of their cause and they are thankful for the support. The Dryden Rotary held a fundraising concert featuring the “MudMen” Saturday night at the Centre.
Learn more about the Shelterbox program here:
