The Coronavirus 19 is affecting all of us in some way and I hope you and your family remain well.
The following is an update regarding how ShelterBox continues to respond in a safe manner and is providing support to the best that we can with our Rotary Partners can do in these difficult times to those who need our support in the world.
Kerri Murray, Shelterbox USA Presidents reminds us that Shelter is a critical need for people who are simply struggling to survive after loosing their home due to a natural disaster and even war. The outbreak reminds us of the fundamental importance of home is to our health and well being. Our continued work to provide shelter can help slow down the spread of this disease. Unfortunately, disasters and conflict do not stop even during these difficult times.
We are currently responding the best that we can to Ethiopia, Syria, Nigeria, Cameroon, Somililand, Malawi and the Philippines.
ShelterBox USA HERO CLUB AWARD
I have received word that 13 clubs in Ohio, 6 Rotary clubs from our district, have been recognized as HERO AWARD Clubs, of Shelter Box USA. During the Rotary Year 2019-2020 the following clubs have donated at least $ 1,000 to ShelterBox to continue the efforts of providing hope to others in the world.
Congratulations to
Rotary Clubs in our District
who have recently supported our efforts:
Solon, Burton-Middlefield, Westlake Bay Village, Fairlawn,
Northhampton Cuyahoga Valley and Painesville.
If there are any other Rotary Clubs in our district who have responded during this time to ShetlerBox, please let me know. Even though I am not a member of my hometown Rotary Club of Marietta in the Southwest Ohio, I am pleased to note that they recently raised over $ 12,000 dollars since late last year for ShelterBox.
As in any organization, we do not want to put our response team members in harms way. We will do everything we can to accomplish our miss,ion and protect our staff and volunteers. With that below is the message from our President Kerri Murray of ShelterBox USA that was conveyed in a recent conversation with me about our current world issue.
"ShelterBox" is a critical need for those people who are simply struggling to survive after loosing their home due to a disaster or war. Now with this outbreak, it reminds us of the fundamental importance of home is to our health and well being. The continued work of ShelterBox to provide basic shelter can help slow down the spread of this disease. Unfortunately, disasters and conflict to not stop even during this stressful times."
"She further adds that for Rotary Clubs and Rotarians, the first thing that we need is your continued support MORE THAN EVER. As this virus continues to spread in the United States and around the World, our goal is to not only to continue to provide basic shelter but to make sure our volunteer response team s and their families remain Safe."
"In many countries, they have sealed their boards and impose quarantines of unprecedented .scale to flatten the curve. The key issue then is what is a family to do when they have no home, clean water a a structure to protect them. Therefore, the Coronavirus has the potential to ravage the most vulnerable."
Please know that ShelterBox, staff, and volunteers remains committed to helping those in the world who need our help, For more information as to how you or your club can help, please feel free to contact PDG Jack Young, Past Board of Directors and Board of Director Emeritus.
(jack1villa@aol.com or 440-759-4000)
Be Safe,
Jack a. Young, PDG 2005-06
ShelterBox USA Board of Directors 2007-14