Charity appeal for Plymouth volunteers ready to make ‘global impact’
A disaster relief charity is appealing for volunteers across Plymouth to join its mission, making sure no-one around the world is left without shelter after disaster. ShelterBox specialises in emergency shelter – supporting people who have been uprooted from their homes because of conflict, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and extreme weather like drought, flooding, and tropical storms.
The Westcountry-based charity relies on volunteers across the UK to help raise vital funds and awareness of its work and the people it supports globally.
ShelterBox has supported more than three million people across around 100 countries since it was formed 25 years ago by Rotary volunteers. With more people than ever displaced by disasters around the world, volunteers continue to play a crucial role - whether it’s fundraising, hosting events, delivering talks to school children and community groups, or sharing our work on social media.
Community Volunteer Engagement Officer for ShelterBox, Jenn Sandiford says: “When there’s so much conflict and so many disasters around the world, it can be hard to know how to support. As we start the new year with more people than ever displaced from their homes, at ShelterBox we’re appealing locally for volunteers to join us in making sure no-one is left without shelter after disaster.
“As the humanitarian need increases across the world, ShelterBox needs to grow to support more people impacted by disaster and conflict. Volunteers are vitally important for this to happen, so we are seeking more passionate people from across Plymouth to join us.”
ShelterBox is currently supporting people affected by Cyclone Chido and by conflict in countries in Africa and the Middle East. It’s just completed distributions of emergency shelter aid in the Philippines after six tropical storms in less than a month left many without homes. As well as emergency shelter, the charity supports people with items like mosquito nets, water filters, thermal blankets, and solar lights. Every volunteer’s contribution is crucial in making a difference.
Jenn adds: “Our volunteers are incredible. They are passionate, knowledgeable and so supportive of ShelterBox and our work around the world.
“The difference our volunteers make is difficult to quantify as it's so much more than raising funds. It's the ripple effect they create; the impact of those interactions can shape a person, they may volunteer with us in the future, they may decide to follow a career path in the humanitarian sector, and they may tell their friends and family about ShelterBox.”
ShelterBox volunteer Debbie Herbert says: “I have a background in housing and shelter has always seemed to me to be the foundation for everything that a family needs. I followed the growth of ShelterBox with interest and when I had more time, I visited the charity’s head office in Truro and offered to volunteer in any way I could.
“I've loved taking part in events big and small and being part of the ShelterBox Book Club. I love the variety of the events and the focus on both awareness raising and fundraising. Especially when talking to young people who may have had a talk at school or a club, and who are then inspired to learn more about disaster responses.”
Volunteering with ShelterBox offers a unique opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, gain insights into the humanitarian sector, and contribute to building resilient communities. The roles are flexible, accommodating various skills and time commitments.
Kerr Fulton-Peebles started volunteering for ShelterBox when he retired, delivering presentations to Rotary clubs and youth organisations.
“Happily, I was welcomed with open arms and have not regretted volunteering for this marvelous charity,” he says.
“I feel that I am learning new skills that complement my expertise and skills honed by previous experiences, thus keeping me active and alert.
“A highlight would be meeting other ambassadors and coordinators at the ShelterBox conference. To meet with people from so many places and from different life experiences, but who shared the same ideals with regard to the work of, and support for ShelterBox was heartening.”
To join ShelterBox's team of dedicated volunteers, interested individuals can visit shelterbox.org/volunteer/ambassadors or contact Jenn Sandiford on jennifersandiford@shelterbox.org.
