Western Pa. Rotary Clubs raise over $21,000 for global disaster relief
Members of Western Pennsylvania Rotary Clubs raised over $21,000 last week for the global disaster relief organization ShelterBox USA at a “Shine for ShelterBox” event.
Guests learned about the humanitarian charity’s work and got to experience its aid items at the gathering, held at The Stables at Connoquenessing and hosted by Dave and Melanie Sturrock, members of Rotary District 7280 and ShelterBox USA ambassadors.
"Melanie and I hosted this event because the need of displaced families is so great, and 2022 has shown that the global displacement program is only growing,” Dave Sturrock said in a statement. “We want to do everything we can to help families stay together and safe, and ShelterBox truly makes an impact on peoples’ lives.”
At the event in Renfrew, guests were treated to a dinner provided by John Marshall Catering, as well as entertainment, basket raffles and a silent auction.
Founded in 2000 by a Rotary Club in England, ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and other essential items following disasters or in conflict zones. The group has evolved to provide customized aid for disaster victims, including tents and various shelter options, solar lights, water filters and cook sets.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended our event, and especially to Dave and Melanie for hosting it,” said ShelterBox USA President Kerri Murray in a statement. “Their support makes a difference around the world. It allows us to reach more families who have lost everything in an instant. There are more than 100 million displaced around the world right now — more than ever before — and this work has never been more important.”
ShelterBox has had one of the busiest years in its history this year. In Ukraine, ShelterBox was one of the first humanitarian organizations on the ground, establishing three programs to provide mattresses, Shelter Kits, and hygiene kits and cash assistance.
It has also continued to work in conflict zones such as the Lake Chad basin in Africa, which earned ShelterBox nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 and 2019. ShelterBox also launched new responses to the historic drought in Ethiopia and Somalia this year that has displaced more than 1 million people searching for food and water.
For information, please visit ShelterBoxUSA.org. Donations are still being accepted at the “Shine for ShelterBox” website, shelterboxshine.square.site.
