News

ShelterBox USA is celebrating National Volunteer Week, April 15 through 21, by honoring the amazing work of its volunteer Ambassadors and other supporters for their work in raising awareness for disaster relief! 

 

ShelterBox USA has a rich history of volunteers making a difference and is fortunate to work with 350 volunteer Ambassadors who spread awareness and fundraise for ShelterBox in their communities. Last year, Ambassadors did nearly 1,000 events, presentations or fundraisers for the organization. In addition, many other supporters create personal fundraising pages that have raised close to $1 million in the past 12 months.

 

"We are so proud and honored of our amazing network of ShelterBox supporters," said Alan Monroe, ShelterBox USA’s volunteer program manager. "Our volunteers are integral to our fundraising efforts to provide shelter, warmth and dignity for disaster survivors worldwide.  There are countless families who have received a green box of hope as a result of their efforts."

 

Here are a few examples of the contributions made by volunteers in the past 12 months:

 

Steve Gibson

Boulder, CO, ShelterBox Response Team Member

Following widespread flooding in Thailand in October of last year, ShelterBox responded, bringing shelter, warmth and dignity to those most vulnerable. “We spent some time in a temporary school in the Lopburi province, really just a roadside government building that had been taken over.  The families of the 90+ students were living under tarps, next to the makeshift school and within a few steps of a busy highway. It's deeply comforting to know that, today, those families are in ShelterBox tents, and that we helped them recover some sense of dignity and comfort while they wait to see if their homes are damaged, destroyed or washed completely away,” he said. “I just wish everyone whose generosity and commitment make ShelterBox possible could see, as the ShelterBox Response Team members are privileged to see, the smile of a child who now has a ‘home,’ and the gratitude and relief in the eyes of a parent who can safely provide shelter for their children.”
 

Jim Bacca

Redlands, California, ShelterBox Ambassador, April Ambassador of the Month

Since joining the Ambassador team more than four years ago, Jim Bacca has been very active throughout his district. He’s raised thousands for ShelterBox and has inspired other volunteers to join the Ambassador team. Jim’s not only enthusiastic about spending his time at Rotary Clubs or outdoor events, but he’s also passionate about youth involvement. Jim has participated in Ambassador trainings such as the Ambassador Field Experience in Texas last fall and the Southern California ShelterBox Summit, a regional training held last month. Jim is always motivated and enthusiastic about the mission of ShelterBox, serving as the “face” of ShelterBox in his community.

 

Ryen Glynn

Seattle, Washington, ShelterBox Fundraiser

Ryen Glynn, a second grade student from Rainier View Elementary School has raised more than $3,000 for ShelterBox. Ryen’s fundraising efforts began when she asked for donations in lieu of gifts on her birthday, raising more than $1,300 for ShelterBox. “I have enough toys and I wanted to do something to help the world, so instead of birthday presents, I asked my friends and family to donate money to ShelterBox,” she said.

 

Yi Shun Lai

White Plains, New York, ShelterBox Response Team Member

After tornadoes and storms ravaged the U.S. Southeast, sheet metal was wrapped around trees and telephone poles, entire houses were shifted off foundations, and mobile homes sheared wide open. Trees were twisted and hacked off into matchsticks. “The people were simultaneously hopeful and desperate,” said Yi Shun, a ShelterBox Response Team volunteer. “They were extremely grateful to have the help of ShelterBox as they began to rebuild their lives.”

 

John and Trannie Lacquey

Branford, Florida, ShelterBox Response Team Members

Husband and wife team, John and Trannie Lacquey delivered shelter and life-saving equipment to 1,600 families who lost everything after massive flooding caused landslides that affected 1.5 million people in Colombia in December 2010. “The flooding and devastating landslides caused widespread damage to

homes,” said John. “The waters showed no indication of lowering so we had to move quickly to get as many people in emergency shelter as possible.”

 

Jim Carriere

San Rafael, California, ShelterBox Ambassador and Board Member

Since 2007, Jim Carriere has been working with Rotary, youth and other civic groups to raise awareness about ShelterBox. His continued dedication and leadership inspires others to take action. Throughout the years, Jim’s advocacy has helped to generate enough support to aid thousands of families affected by disaster. “It’s my mission to help make the world a better place,” said Jim. “It’s not a dream but a responsibility, and ShelterBox has given me that opportunity. It’s a huge honor and privilege to volunteer and it’s an incredible feeling to know that not only do I have the chance to make a difference in people’s lives, they and ShelterBox also make an impact in mine.”

 

Anke Werner of PAYPAL (EBAY)

San Jose, California, ShelterBox Advocate

Anke Werner, a PayPal executive assistant and project coordinator in San Jose, Calif. has been a steadfast advocate for ShelterBox for many years. Because of her efforts, ShelterBox USA was selected by PayPal and eBay employees to receive a donation of $85,000 when the company opted to make a charitable donation in lieu of giving employees a holiday gift in 2010. “I think ShelterBox resonated with eBay employees so well because it is so hands on and practical,” she said. “Plus, it creates a community, supports a community in need and is distributed by a community. ShelterBox keeps it human, and that is what eBay and PayPal are all about.”

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