Tuesday 26 June 2012
ShelterBox Canada Hosts Open House
On Thursday, June 14th, ShelterBox Canada opened its doors and invited the Toronto community to explore the world of disaster relief. Iconic green ShelterBoxes dotted the Bloor West area as dozens of people dropped by for an inside look at ShelterBox’s international disaster relief efforts, enjoying a sunny afternoon at the ShelterBox Canada National Office. The Open House featured a photo exhibition of ShelterBox deployments over the last 12 years, a demonstration of the custom-designed ShelterBox tent and equipment included in a ShelterBox, activities for kids, and a barbecue.
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A variety of information was on display at the Open House
ShelterBox Response Team Volunteer Dave Hallett was on the scene, chatting about his experience providing emergency disaster relief in East Africa and China. Despite the many challenges and difficulties faced by ShelterBox Response Teams on the ground, Dave commented on the positive side of his experience. “Delivering the boxes to people who need them so desperately is the best part of the deployment,” he recalled. “Seeing the relief on their faces, after everything they have been through, makes the difficulty we faced in reaching them absolutely worth it.” Dave also highlighted ShelterBox’s determination to distribute aid to extremely remote areas affected by disaster; where other agencies haven’t yet reached.
In addition to numerous neighbours, teachers, and interested volunteers from across Toronto, ShelterBox Canada was honoured to receive Ward 13 City Councillor Sarah Doucette, who praised the efforts of the organization and expressed her enthusiasm for future collaboration with ShelterBox.
The Open House was a highlight of Big ShelterBox Week, an international effort by ShelterBox affiliates to raise awareness and funds. Volunteers and ambassadors across Canada hosted events and undertook fundraising activities including camp-outs, cake bakes, and garage sales, with proceeds going to critical disaster relief around the world.
