'ShelterBox' project aids victims of natural disasters
BY ZACH LEVINE Correspondent

NEW BRUNSWICK — The local Rotary Club of New Brunswick welcomed a visitor from England to discuss his "ShelterBox" project, which seeks to help victims of natural disasters.

The idea was developed by Tom Henderson, whose inspiration came while watching a report on the news back in 2000.

"I saw coverage of a natural disaster, and those helping would drive by and just throw loaves of bread on the floor by the victims," he explained. "I thought, there has got to be a more dignified way to help these people out."

He looked into how help was generated and found that one of the biggest gaps for humanitarian aid was shelter. This served as the impetus for what is now known as "The ShelterBox."

"The ShelterBox is a green trunk of sorts that weighs roughly 100 pounds. Inside, you would find a tent, water purification devices, a tool kit, a wood-burning stove, pots, pans and utensils. Usually children are involved in the disaster, so there are games and coloring books inside as well," Henderson explained.

He said that the boxes will last a family of 10 about six months. Six thousand boxes have been sent all over the world in the last seven years. They have gone to Katmandu, Haiti and Pakistan. Congo marks the 50th nation the group has helped out.

"I like to think of these boxes as the world's largest care packages," Henderson said.

Each box costs $1,000 to send, but purchase of one is not possible. Payments are made in the form of donations, and the ShelterBox Trust will then send the boxes with a certificate inside identifying the particular donor.

"This project has quickly become the largest Rotary Club mission in history," Henderson said. "For one individual, it is a lot of work, but with friends in the Rotary, anything is possible."

The Rotary Club will be running several more events for charity, including a Texas Hold'em and Casino Night tonight to benefit the Gift of Life Charity. There will also be the Polar Bear Open Golf Challenge on Dec. 1.

More information can be found at newbrunswickrotary. org.