Press release – 3 February 2023
With more than 100 million people uprooted from their homes every year because of conflict or disaster, ShelterBox is challenging people to give up something for Lent and donate what they raise or save to provide emergency shelter to people in need.
The international disaster relief charity is launching its annual Tent for Lent fundraising campaign, asking people to pledge their support to help give shelter to people across the world who’ve been uprooted from their homes.
ShelterBox provides emergency shelter to displaced families and communities around the world, as well as essential items such as solar lights, blankets, mosquito nets, and water filters.
It’s currently helping people displaced by monsoon flooding in Pakistan, drought in East Africa, a tropical storm in the Philippines, and conflict in places like Ukraine, Yemen, and Burkina Faso.
Long-term supporter of Tent for Lent is humanitarian and author Terry Waite. He says: “This Lent, please join people around the UK by giving something up and raising money for ShelterBox, helping families feel safe and start again.
“Together, every shelter we provide gives a family a place to call home, and with a home comes a powerful sense of hope.”
Priest and Radio 2 presenter The Rev. Kate Bottley adds: “When life is thrown into chaos, home is a sanctuary.
“Shelter is vitally important for people who have lost everything, so that they can start planning for the future.”
ShelterBox is also supporting people who have had to leave their homes in Syria, Cameroon, and Mozambique.
Community Fundraising Manager for ShelterBox, Lucy Holden says: “Giving up that morning take-out coffee or pay day take-away can help raise vital funds that will help us support people who’ve been driven from their homes. People whose homes have been damaged or destroyed, people who’ve often had to leave behind livelihoods and loved ones.
“It’s great to see pledges being made already by individuals and community groups, whether that’s giving up chocolate, social media, or even their beds.
“No matter how people choose to take part, their fundraising or donations can help provide tents and other shelter essentials to people made homeless around the world.”
- £30 could provide a family with a sleeping mat and thermal blankets
- £60 could provide a family with a water filter giving them access to clean drinking water
- £350 could provide a family with a tent, a space for a family to call home. A perfect target for a group challenge.
Five ideas how you can support Tent for Lent 2022:
- Cycle to work every day and donate the cost of your commute.
- Challenge yourself to a sponsored camp out for Lent, knowing every night under the stars could help provide shelter for displaced families around the world.
- Lent doesn’t have to be about giving something up. Why not take something up? How about crochet or craft, and then sell what you make afterwards to raise money for ShelterBox?
- Host a bring and share lunch with your church, community group, or office, and donate how much you’d usually spend on a café or shop bought lunch to the kitty for ShelterBox.
- Go without that pay-day take-away and donate what you save to ShelterBox.
ENDS
For more information contact the press office at ShelterBox via [email protected].
Notes to Editors
- Photographs and captions included from ShelterBox’s ongoing response in Pakistan. More images and full case-studies available on request.
- Video of ShelterBox response team member, Kitty Sadler, talking about our Pakistan response and Tent for Lent.
- YouTube video of Kate Bottley talking about the campaign.
- While ShelterBox isn’t a religious organisation, faith groups have always played a vital and valued role in raising support and awareness of our work in the community.
About ShelterBox
ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and other essential items to families who have lost their homes to disasters. With operational headquarters in Cornwall, the charity also has 14 affiliate organisations worldwide.
The charity has been Rotary International’s project partner in disaster relief since 2012. ShelterBox has supported more than 2.5 million people since it was founded in 2000. www.shelterbox.org
