Toronto Rotarians Seek Donations for ShelterBox Response in the Philippines
On Saturday, November 16, Toronto Rotarians will be setting up a ShelterBox tent outside of Yorkminister Park Baptist Church and accepting financial donations to help send ShelterBoxes to the Philippines to help people left without shelter and the basic necessities of life after the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan.
A typical ShelterBox contains a family tent, blankets, water purification, cooking utensils, a stove, a tool kit, a children’s activity pack, and other vital items. The contents are tailored to meet the specific needs of the communities affected by natural or man-made disaster.
Currently, over 540 ShelterBoxes are on their way to the Philippines. More are needed to help house the more than 630,000 people estimated to have been displaced by Typhoon Haiyan.
Each ShelterBox costs $1,000. For every dollar donated, the Government of Canada will set aside one dollar for the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund.
The public and members of the media are invited to tour a ShelterBox, make a donation, and learn about Rotary’s response to the disaster in the Philippines.
Date: Saturday, November 16, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
1585 Yonge Street (east side, 2 blocks north of St. Clair Ave)
Background: The ShelterBox/Rotary Partnership
The ShelterBox program began in 2000 as the brainchild of one Rotarian with the support of his Rotary club. Since then, ShelterBox has grown to involve thousands of Rotary Clubs around the world. In March 2012, an agreement was signed with Rotary International for ShelterBox to become a Rotary International Project Partner. This was the first partnership of its kind for Rotary and formalized the strong working relationship that has evolved. The partnership will enable the two organizations to collaborate even more closely to provide relief and temporary shelter to survivors of disaster. More at http://www.shelterboxcanada.org/about.php?page=16.
Background: Rotary International
Rotary is made up of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world. Our differing occupations, cultures, and countries give us a unique perspective. Our shared passion for service helps us accomplish the remarkable. More at https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary. More about Rotary District 7070 (includes Toronto) at https://www.facebook.com/rotary7070?ref=hl.
Background: ShelterBox
ShelterBox responds instantly to disasters around the world by providing emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies that families need to survive in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
A typical ShelterBox contains a family tent, blankets, water purification, cooking utensils, a stove, a tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items. Highly trained ShelterBox Response Team volunteers deliver aid, working with other international organizations and local partners. More at http://www.shelterboxcanada.org/about.php
Event Contacts:
Saleem Kassum, Member, Board of Directors, ShelterBox Canada & Member of the Rotary Club of Toronto, 416-878-7557 cell
Stephanie Near, Manager of Operations, ShelterBox Canada, 647-352-1930
