Canoeing the Mississippi River for ShelterBox

To provide emergency shelter and supplies to people who have lost their homes after natural disaster or fled because of civil conflict, Erik Elsea of Cape Coral, Fla. solo paddled the entire length of the Mississippi River this summer to raise funds for ShelterBox USA.

Basing the distance off the famous marker at the Headwaters, he raised over $69,000 – enough to shelter 69 families.

Elsea began his trip on July 7 with a canoe launch party hosted by the Park Rapids Rotary Club at Itasca State Park in Minnesota. He finished Oct. 5 at the Gulf of Mexico.

Erik is truly devoted to making the world a better place and advancing the mission to ensure no family goes without shelter when disaster strikes.

Because of Erik and his Mississippi Expedition, thousands of people who had never heard of ShelterBox before learned about the life-saving work and joined Erik in supporting families in need around the world. He is an inspiration to all of us.

-Kerri Murray, President of ShelterBox USA

“As a realtor, I know how important it is for people to have a home and a community,” said Elsea. “By supporting ShelterBox, we can help ensure that many more families around the world will have shelter when disaster strikes.”

ShelterBox provides humanitarian aid in the form of family-sized tents and essential tools to start repairing and rebuilding homes. Additionally, the organization’s kits and boxes contain items that help transform shelter into a home, like cooking sets, solar lights, blankets, water filtration, and activity sets for children.

Elsea first learned about ShelterBox through the Cape Coral Rotary Club, where he recently served as Club President. ShelterBox started as a Rotary club project and is Rotary International’s official Project Partner in disaster relief.

“I’m honored to be both a Rotarian and a volunteer ShelterBox Ambassador,” said Elsea. “The collaboration between the two organizations enables many more people to receive the help they need after losing everything.”

Along the way, Elsea gave presentations about ShelterBox to groups such as Rotary clubs and other interested organizations. He spoke to more than 50 Rotary clubs along the route.

Elsea’s trip was sponsored by NovaCraft Canoes, Jack Links Protein Snacks, and Vango outdoor equipment.

My heart breaks for the families who have lost loved ones and the survivors who face such unbelievable devastation.

I’m glad I can be part of an organization like ShelterBox that is there to help people on their worst day ever.