24 March 2010

You Helped



Ever since the earthquake in Haiti, I have had two logos on these pages.  Off to the right a direct link to contribute to a Shelter Box to house up to 10 people for at least six months and down at the bottom for a link to the Fish Camp and Colorado Bob who started this particular group effort.  Here is a nice story about the effect the generosity of others is having:  Ben Spurway in Haiti

Thus far through links here and on the Fish Camp site, generous people have bought 98 Shelter Boxes. That put 980 people in desperate need under shelter. In addition to Haiti, Shelter Box continues to service all emergencies world wide that deprive people of the basic necessities of life. The need always continues and the buttons will stay should you wish to donate again.

Here are the contents of every Shelter Box

Shelter
At the heart of every ShelterBox is a ten-person tent. It is custom made for ShelterBox by Vango, one of the world’s leading tent manufacturers, and is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high winds and heavy rainfall. Internally, each tent has privacy partitions that allow recipients to divide the space as they see fit.

A smile
Every box contains a children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens. For children who have lost most, if not all,their possessions, these small gifts are treasured.

Warmth and protection
In addition to the tent, the boxes contain a range of other survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, essential in areas where temperatures plummet at nightfall. Where malaria is prevalent mosquito nets are supplied, as well a life saving means of water purification. Water supplies often become contaminated after a major disaster, as infrastructure and sanitation systems are destroyed, this presents a secondary but no less dangerous threat to survivors than the initial disaster itself.

Self sufficiency
A basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters can be found in every box. These items enable people to improve their immediate environment, by chopping firewood or digging a latrine, for example. Then, when it is possible, to start repairing or rebuilding the home they were forced to leave.

Fit for purpose
Every item is durable, practical and brand new. The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past - from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newly born baby.

A heart to the home
A key piece in every box is either a wood burning or multi-fuel stove - that can burn anything from diesel to old paint. This provides the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate. In addition, there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers.

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