ShelterBox Issues Urgent Christmas Appeal: Will You Help?

ShelterBox, headquartered in Truro, has launched an urgent Christmas appeal calling for support for families left without shelter after disasters. As festive preparations get underway, the charity is encouraging people to consider giving what it describes as a life-changing gift: the gift of shelter.

A Call for Help as Winter Approaches

Across the world, millions of people are facing displacement caused by earthquakes, floods and conflict. ShelterBox is asking supporters to look beyond traditional gifts this year and help provide emergency shelter and essential aid to families in crisis.

One of the stories shared in the appeal is that of Thiri, a mother in Myanmar who gave birth just moments before a 7.7 magnitude earthquake destroyed her hospital and home.

“An earthquake struck while the nurses were showing my baby to me. I was terrified for my newborn boy,” says Thiri.
“I looked around and saw everything shaking violently, with many things being destroyed. As I focused on my child, I felt lost. My mother hugged me tightly to keep me safe.”

After escaping the collapsing hospital, Thiri and her newborn son lived outdoors for days. ShelterBox and its local partners supported her with emergency shelter and essential items including a solar light and a kitchen set.

“Currently, we are living in this tent, and we have added another layer of protection to the roof so that my baby and I can stay safe inside,” she adds. “My baby is in good health, and I am proud to have delivered him despite the challenges.”

“It’s Only a Matter of Time”

ShelterBox relies entirely on public donations to fund its responses.
Head of Supporter Engagement, Emily Mullen, says: “It’s only a matter of time before the next disaster strikes. When it does, more families like Thiri’s will need urgent and lifesaving aid. That’s why this festive season we’re asking local communities to give whatever they can to support.

“Shelter can save lives and support people to recover after disaster, elderly grandparents, mothers, fathers and young children, who will face losing their home in the weeks and months ahead.

“This Christmas, more than another pair of socks, more than perfume, cuddly toys, chocolates or books, a donation to fund lifesaving shelter could be the most important gift you give.”

What Donations Help Provide

Aid packages vary depending on what each community needs. They may include:

• A tent or shelter repair kit
• Solar lights
• A water filter
• A kitchen set

This winter, ShelterBox is responding in several countries including Afghanistan and Syria, where temperatures fall below freezing. Many displaced families are living outdoors or in makeshift shelters without the basics needed to survive the cold.

In Syria, some families are beginning to return home after years of conflict, only to find their houses in ruins. ShelterBox is supporting people to repair damaged homes or improve temporary shelters in informal settlements so they can better withstand harsh winter conditions.

How to Support the Appeal

To donate and give the gift of shelter this Christmas, visit https://shelterbox.org/lifesaving.

Suggested donation amounts include:
• £20 to fund a family blanket set
• £60 to fund a water filter
• £590 to fund a full shelter pack

ShelterBox has supported more than three million people over the past 25 years, but the need continues to grow. With climate change and conflict displacing more families every year, it is estimated that 1 in 6 people could lose their homes in the next 25 years.