Celebrating 20+ Years of ShelterBox
Read on to see how it all began and take a look at what you’ve helped us achieve.
ShelterBox was founded in the small town of Helston, Cornwall UK, by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in 2000.
Now 20 years later, with global Rotary support, ShelterBox has developed into an independent, international disaster relief organisation, providing emergency shelter, tools and other essentials so families can rebuild after disaster.
In that time, we have supported over 1.5 million people with emergency shelter aid and other essential items and training to help recovery after disaster.
We have supported over 1.5 million people with emergency shelter in 97 countries across the world – from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.
We have responded in The Philippines more than any other country, at 27 times since 2004. That’s why we launched ShelterBox Operations Philippines.
Our work in Syria is our largest and longest running response. We have been working there since 2012 and have helped over 250,000 people (50,000 households or ‘families’) so far.
Read on to see how it all began and take a look at what you’ve helped us achieve.
In 2000, the idea for ShelterBox was hit upon by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in Cornwall, when Rotary encouraged members to come up with projects to mark the Millennium.
Explore the gallery of images from some of the most memorable responses in our 20-year history.
Explore a timeline of our biggest responses and defining moments over the last 20 years
Since 2000, we have responded to a number of major disasters that shook whole countries and their people. Have a look at some of the most memorable ShelterBox disaster responses.
Take the quiz to learn about some of the most memorable responses in our history.