Press release – 25 October
The community of Mawgan Porth has raised thousands of pounds for the international disaster relief charity, ShelterBox with a series of fundraising activities.
The Cornwall-based charity ShelterBox specialises in emergency shelter, supporting people who have lost their homes after disaster or conflict.
Families from Mawgan Porth, keen to raise funds for the charity, organised a BBQ and sandcastle competition, and a community brunch.
Event organiser, Daphne Lay, says: “We have a strong community in Mawgan Porth, and it’s great to be part of it. The sun shone, and the beach was busy for the sandcastle competition and BBQ, with lots of holidaymakers getting involved. It was a fun family event, although a nightmare to judge because every sandcastle was amazing for the ages and abilities that were involved.
“More recently we hosted a brunch at the Mawgan Porth Village Hall. This was a real joint effort with volunteers of all ages jumping in to cook, serve and wash up, and generous donations of food from local businesses. People who came along also had the opportunity to see ShelterBox aid items, which helped bring to life what the charity does around the world.”
As well as shelter, ShelterBox supports people with items like kitchen sets, solar lights, blankets and mosquito nets. Basic but essential items when people have been uprooted from their homes and left with very little. The charity recognises that every disaster is unique and tailors its aid packages to each response, so people get the appropriate items they need.
It’s currently responding to conflict in the Middle East where millions of people have been uprooted from their homes. The charity is working with a local community organisation in Lebanon to support people living in community shelters with items like blankets and mattresses. It’s also supporting people in Gaza with tents and items like water carriers and blankets.
Daphne continues: “With everything that’s happening in the world it’s hard to remain optimistic. It’s almost impossible to imagine what it’s like for people who have lost everything; their homes, belongings and loved ones.
“ShelterBox provides support that makes a tangible difference and can be a glimmer of hope for people in such dire situations. Mawgan Porth is a longtime supporter of the charity; it’s such a worthy cause.”
As well as the activities, pots in the local car park collected donations, and in total over £3,400 has been raised for ShelterBox.
Community Volunteer Engagement Officer at ShelterBox, Jenn Sandiford says: “One of ShelterBox’s values is community and Mawgan Porth is an excellent example of the strength we have in it. People from the village come together year after year, giving up their time to support and fundraiser for us. It makes a powerful difference.
“We rely on public donations and our fundraisers enable us to continue working around the world and working towards our vision of no one without shelter after disaster.”
As well as conflict in the Middle East, the charity is also supporting people affected by extreme weather events in places like Grenada, Bangladesh, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
To find out more about fundraising for ShelterBox people can email [email protected] or for updates on the charity’s work can sign up to its mailing list.
To find out more about ShelterBox, visit: ShelterBox.org
ENDS
For more information contact the press office at ShelterBox via [email protected].
Notes to Editors
Images and captions included.
Interviews available on request with Jenn Sandiford.
