As one of Rotary International’s major projects, ShelterBox provides shelter and warmth for at least 10

people for a prolonged period.

Each self-contained box contains a 10 person tent, thermal blankets, multi-fuel cooker and ancillary

equipment to accommodate and serve the needs of a full family in a disaster area.

Conceived by UK’s Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in Cornwall, and promulgated in Australia by Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills in Victoria, the ShelterBox has been embraced by clubs throughout the world and is proving its worth in Australia following the horrific bushfires.

There were 170 ShelterBoxes provided through Rotary Australia for more than 1000 people at Kinglake. Costing $1200 each, the ShelterBoxes are individually numbered, with the sponsor names recorded on a website honor roll.

The boxes are able to be tracked by the sponsors to their eventual destination.

President of the Rotary Club of Peterborough, Frank Hardbottle, said that his club was very proud to be able to contribute to the cause and have raised sufficient funds for two ShelterBoxes.

Peterborough’s Rotary club demonstrated the ShelterBox at the Markets as part of the local Art and Cultural Festival, where they attracted much interest including from the Scouting movement of South Australia.

Recent events in Australia have shown that disaster can strike everyone and that we are not exempt.

Contributions to ShelterBox may help to provide accommodation for our own family one day.

PHOTO: SHELTER...Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Peterborough Greg Need, left, President Frank Hardbottle with a ShelterBox demonstrated at the recent markets as part of the Art and Cultural Festival. Costing $1200 each, the boxes provide self-contained emergency accommodation. The Rotary Club of Peterborough have raised funds for two ShelterBoxes so far, a pleasing result for a relatively small club in a rural area, Mr Hardbottle said.