ShelterBox was the idea of Rotarian Tom Henderson, a member of the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in Cornwall in the UK. A former Royal Navy search-and-rescue diver, he had an idea in 2000 to alleviate human suffering resulting from such disasters as earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, wars and civil unrest. Humanitarian aid on a global basis is delivered in an easily transportable green box … a ShelterBox.

Each ShelterBox contains a tent (for up to ten people), thermal blankets, a multi-fuel cooker, cooking and eating equipment, water purification tablets, collapsible water containers, a children’s pack, tools and other basic equipment.

Since operations began in 2001, more than 50,000 ShelterBoxes have provided shelter, warmth, comfort and dignity to over 600,000 people in 46 countries.

Rotarian Tom Henderson’s idea has grown to become a major global humanitarian program that has seen him, fittingly, recognised with Rotary International’s highest distinction, a Service Above Self Award. ShelterBox is now the largest Rotary club project in the world.

Operations began in Australia in 2003 and, near to this country, ShelterBoxes have been delivered to Timor, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Australian volunteers (trained members of ShelterBox Response Teams) have assisted in the delivery of aid in those countries and, in 2008, worked in Burma and China after large-scale disasters there.

The cost of a complete ShelterBox is A$1200. Organisations and individuals who sponsor a ShelterBox are advised of its unique number. The sponsor’s name is shown inside each ShelterBox and appears on the Roll of Honour on the ShelterBox websites – www.shelterbox.org and
www.shelterboxaustralia.com.au – where deployments can be tracked.

ShelterBox Australia, the authorised Australian affiliate of the ShelterBox Trust, is a company limited by guarantee and an international project of the Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills (Vic).

ShelterBox Australia
PO Box 790
Endeavour Hills
Victoria 3802
Australia

T: +61 (0)3 9794 7127
F: +61 (0)3 9794 7592
E: shelterboxaust@westnet.com.au
www.shelterbox.org