Press release – 12 February 2025
The international disaster relief charity ShelterBox is launching its annual Tent for Lent appeal, supporting people left without shelter after disaster. The ask is simple, fundraise for ShelterBox during Lent to help families who’ve lost their homes to earthquakes, drought, tropical storms, and conflict.
ShelterBox supports people to rebuild and recover after disaster with shelter and essential items like mosquito nets, solar lights, kitchen sets, and blankets. Most importantly, the charity works with affected communities to understand what is most needed to make the most tangible difference for people left with very little.
“When there’s so much going on in the world, and so many crises, it can be hard to know what to do or how best to make a difference,” says Community Fundraising Officer at ShelterBox, Louisa Arnold.
“Lent is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and give back – supporting people uprooted from their homes by conflict and disaster.”
For the appeal last year, people keen for a challenge gave up their beds, coffees, and social media – raising more than £17,000 for ShelterBox.
Supporting the charity’s appeal this year is the popular Westcountry Reverand from the latest series of The Traitors, Rev Lisa Coupland.
“Taking part in Tent for Lent provides vital shelter for families who have lost their homes to disasters like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes or conflicts,” says Rev Coupland.
“During Lent, together with your Church, your school, community, or by yourself, you can raise funds for emergency shelter. Crucial items like thermal blankets, family tents, or solar lights.
“It’s easy to start your fundraiser. Host a Lent lunch, run a collection, do a sleepout, give up chocolate, swearing, or do a digital detox, it’s totally up to you.”
Louisa adds: “What I love most about our Tent for Lent appeal is seeing the incredible creativity and dedication of our supporters each year.
“We’ve had fundraisers give up their beds to camp outside in the snow. Others have held sponsored swimathons, or litter picked every day for 40 days to raise money for ShelterBox.
“We’re always so humbled by every one of our supporters who gives up their time so we can continue to reach families in need of adequate shelter.”
The charity is currently supporting people affected by conflict in places like Gaza, Burkina Faso and Cameroon, as well as responding to extreme weather in places like Ethiopia and Somalia.
Every donation, however small, goes a long way whether people fundraise individually, with friends and family, their local community group or congregation.
- £15 can fund a solar light – when families are left in darkness
- £60 can fund a water filter – when all people have is dirty water
- £405 can fund a family tent – when whole families are left without a home
People can sign up online at Tent for Lent appeal – ShelterBox, with ShelterBox sending everything needed to get started, and inspire others to join in.
To share your Tent for Lent challenge with ShelterBox, email [email protected].
ENDS
For more information contact the press office at ShelterBox via [email protected].
Notes to Editors
- Interviews available with ShelterBox Community Fundraising Officer Louisa Arnold and ShelterBox Community Fundraising Assistant John Stanbury.
- Images and captions included.
- B-roll of ShelterBox responses available.
- Video from Rev Lisa Coupland.
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 13 affiliate organisations worldwide. The charity has been Rotary International’s project partner in disaster relief since 2012. ShelterBox has supported more than three million people since it was founded in 2000. www.shelterbox.org
