Local Rotary clubs recognised for ShelterBox contribution

A TRIO of Rotary Clubs in the Geelong region have been lauded for their fundraising efforts towards disaster relief.

Last week, the Ocean Grove Rotary Club, Kardinia Rotary Club and Geelong West Rotary Club were named as ShelterBox Champions for 2020-21.

The award, part of a partnership between Rotary International and global charity ShelterBox, recognises a Rotary club which has committed to making an ongoing impact in worldwide disaster response by supporting ShelterBox annually for three consecutive financial years.

The Ocean Grove, Kardinia and Geelong West branches of Rotary received the Bronze Champion award to reflect that each club had raised at least $1,000 each year for those three years.

“In a year where many clubs’ fundraising efforts were hampered because of the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing lockdowns, the 2021 ShelterBox Champion Award winners are truly deserving of their awards,” ShelterBox Australia chief executive officer Mike Greenslade said.

The ShelterBox Champion Awards are an annual event that showcases the dedication and commitment of Rotary Clubs in helping families who have lost their homes to disaster and conflict.

This year’s ceremony will take place on October 5 via a national video conference where all Rotary Clubs can share the moment together.

“We are inspired by the ongoing support from our Rotary Champions and their desire to provide shelter and hope to families affected by disaster around the world,” Mr Greenslade said.

“Together they have raised a staggering $440,000 over the past three years, and for that we are profoundly grateful.”

Ocean Grove, Kardinia and Geelong West are among more than 70 Rotary Clubs across Australia nationwide who have been recognised for their fundraising efforts over the past three years.

ShelterBox began in 2000 as a Cornish Rotary Club’s millennium project.

With the support of Rotary members and clubs around the world, ShelterBox grew to become an internationally recognised, independent disaster relief organisation.

Since 2012, ShelterBox and Rotary have been official project partners in disaster relief.

ShelterBox’s most recent efforts have been in Haiti, where they have been working with Habitat for Humanity Haiti to provide aid to families who lost their homes following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck on August 14.

The organisation is providing shelter kits including tarpaulins, thermal blankets, solar lights, kitchen sets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets and water carriers.