Celebrating over 20 Years of ShelterBox

Thank you for an incredible two decades of supporting families after disaster

2023 marks 23 years of ShelterBox!

That’s over 20 years of disaster relief in 98 different countries, supporting 2.5 million people to get back on their feet after hurricanes, earthquakes, conflicts, droughts, cyclones and more.

We’ve changed and grown a lot in that time, but our core focus has remained the same: helping families rebuild after disaster.

Watch this anniversary message from Her Majesty The Queen Consort, who has been President of ShelterBox since 2007.

Read on to see how it all began and take a look at what you’ve helped us achieve.

How it all began


In 2000, the idea for ShelterBox was hit upon by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in Cornwall.

The idea was sparked by watching the news and wanting to do more after seeing that people seemed to be left with nothing after disaster.

Discover how ShelterBox has grown from a group of passionate volunteers wanting to help 8 to 10 families a year, to helping over 2.5 million people by 2022.

Read more

Men loading boxes from ShelterBox into a van ready for them to be transported to India in response to the Gujarat earthquake
Boxes being loaded onto an aeroplane at the airport in the UK, to be delivered in India, following the devastating earthquake in Gujarat.

Our defining moments


Join us as we look back at our biggest responses and defining events

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Thank you

We couldn’t do our work without you

Over the last 20+ years, it’s your incredible support that has allowed us to support over 2.5 million people.  

Here, our CEO Sanj Srikanthan, shares a message to mark our 20 year anniversary.

Test your knowledge!


brother and sister laughing in syriancamp

How good is your ShelterBox trivia?

Did you know we’ve responded to some of the most devastating disasters of the past 20+ years?

Take our quiz to test your knowledge and learn more about some of the most memorable responses in our history.  

Take the quiz

In pictures: From 2000 to now

We’ve delved deep into the archives to find some of the best photos from the last 20 years.

Take a look behind the scenes at some of our biggest responses, meet the people who have influenced our work, and see how we are drawing on our experience and expertise to provide the aid that families need.

Explore the gallery