Box program a success

By Jim Mynard
ROTARY District 9820 has provided 1500 shelterboxes costing $1.5 million since the program began in Australia during 2000.
Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills shelterbox program coordinator Peter Faulkner told guests at the 2006 Rotary Club of Berwick charity dinner that the event would further drive the program.
Shelterbox is a Rotary global humanitarian relief project that provides immediate shelter and warmth to people in disasters through the supply of boxes containing a tent and other emergency supplies.
Mr Faulkner said Shelterbox started in Australia when members asked the then district governor Ray Martin if he thought it would be a worthwhile project for District 9820.
“He jumped at the idea and clubs began providing support,” Mr Faulkner said.
“Private members also bought boxes and Berwick members Peter and Mia Castricum provided the first privately funded shelterbox to our program.
“Peter said if we could get it started he would provide the first box.
“Each box costs around $1200.”
Mr Faulkner said Rotarians went to Java to help erect tents during the earthquake.
“Rotary had 1500 tents in Java within four days of the earthquake strike and within three weeks we had 3000 tents in place,” he said.
Each tent can house 10 people and contains in a large box, 10 sleeping bags, multifuel cooker, water purification tablets, torch, spade, rope, plastic bags and basics for a family that has lost everything.
The contents can be varied according to climates and the box ultimately serves as a water container.