A Cornwall-based disaster relief charity, ShelterBox, has been invited to Buckingham Palace to mark a milestone moment in its 25-year journey. The charity, which has supported over three million people globally, was invited to a special event hosted by The King and Queen to celebrate humanitarian work.
Founded in 2000, ShelterBox began as a small initiative by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard, aiming to provide shelter to a few dozen families each year. Today, it has grown into a global community, reaching over 100 countries and supporting people displaced by conflict, the climate crisis, and other natural disasters.
In the past 25 years, the charity has delivered emergency shelter and essential items, helping more than 300 people every day. However, the need for its services has never been more pressing, as the number of displaced people worldwide has tripled over the past quarter-century.
Currently, more than 120 million people are displaced due to conflict, natural disasters, and the climate crisis. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense, and conflicts continuing to displace families, the charity is preparing for an even greater challenge in the coming decades.
Sanj Srikanthan, Chief Executive of ShelterBox, highlighted the urgent need for continued efforts. “Our aid has evolved over time, and we’ve adapted our responses to meet the needs of communities in different regions,” he said. “We now provide not only tents but also cash assistance, tools, and training to help people rebuild their homes and lives.”
ShelterBox’s innovative aid has adapted to different regions and climates. In flood-prone areas like Pakistan, shelters are built with concrete bases. In hurricane-prone areas like the Philippines, storm-strapping is used to secure timber shelters. Additionally, iron-framed shelters have been used in places like Yemen, and special Sahelian tents are deployed in Burkina Faso to withstand local weather patterns.
As climate change continues to worsen, the charity’s work is expected to grow even more critical. In the next 25 years, it is estimated that around 1.2 billion people will be at risk of losing their homes to disasters, which equates to about 1 in 6 people globally.
Alice Jefferson, Head of Emergency Responses at ShelterBox, explained the charity’s focus on improving preparedness and efficiency. “While we are known for responding quickly to disasters, we are also working hard to anticipate future events and streamline our supply chain to deliver aid faster,” she said.
ShelterBox’s commitment to shelter remains unwavering. Over the years, the charity has relied on voluntary contributions to fund its work, and it continues to place displaced people at the heart of its mission. As the charity celebrates 25 years, Srikanthan said, “While we hope for a world where our work is no longer needed, the reality is that the need for emergency shelter is growing. Our supporters and volunteers have made a tremendous impact, and we are determined to continue our work for the next 25 years and beyond.”
For more information on ShelterBox’s work, visit shelterbox.org.