Rotary partners with ShelterBox to help devastated communities.
The signature green boxes feature Rotary’s logo and are adapted to fit the emergency before being transported on scant notice. Most boxes include family-size tents, though the contents differ depending on the disaster and climate. Many are packed with solar lights, water storage and purification equipment, thermal blankets, and cooking utensils. Depending on need, the organization may deliver ShelterKits, smaller aid packages that include tools, ropes, and heavy tarpaulins used to provide emergency shelter and repair damaged structures.
“The partnership between Rotary and ShelterBox has provided a place of refuge to people facing some of the most difficult and uncertain moments in their lives,” says RI General Secretary John Hewko. Tapping Rotary’s strengths, not just its funds, has nurtured ShelterBox, adds its chief executive, Chris Warham.
“The partnership is absolutely fundamental to what we do,” Warham says. “Ninety percent of our deployments involve working with local Rotarians. In almost every case, our first call is to the local Rotary club to see how they can help us as the teams start to deploy. We ask Rotarians everything from ‘can you get us a truck?’ to ‘can you introduce us to a local or central government figure?’ These needs are often crucial to the success of our deployment – and Rotarians invariably deliver.”
About RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)
RYLA is an intensive leadership development program developed in 1971 by Rotary International for young leaders. This Rotary initiative is designed to demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for young people, provide leadership concepts for selected youth leaders. encourage leadership of youth by youth and recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities through a fun 4 day camping and educational experience run by Rotary members from throughout Rotary District 5790. High School Students apply to local Rotary clubs for scholarships to attend this annual event at Tarleton State University.
This year Denton-Lake Cities Rotary club provided award to 2 students: David Hwang and Michael Dixon both from Guyer High School. Congratulations David and Michael. We look forward to hearing all about the week-end when you return home.
