Could You Sleep Outside for 40 Days? Tent for Lent Challenge Supports Disaster Survivors

ShelterBox’s annual appeal raises funds for families who’ve lost their homes

The international disaster relief charity ShelterBox is calling on supporters to take part in Tent for Lent, its annual fundraising appeal to help people left homeless by disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and conflict.

The concept is simple: give something up or take on a challenge for 40 days and raise money to support families in crisis. Last year, fundraisers went to great lengths—sleeping outside, giving up coffee, or even ditching social media—raising over £17,000 to provide emergency shelter and essential items to those in need.

A Time to Give Back

Louisa Arnold, Community Fundraising Officer at ShelterBox, says Lent is the perfect time to “pause, reflect, and give back” to people who have been uprooted from their homes.

This year, Westcountry Reverend Lisa Coupland, from the latest series of The Traitors, is supporting the appeal and encouraging individuals, schools, churches, and community groups to get involved.

“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 Lisa.

“There are so many ways to fundraise—host a Lent lunch, run a collection, do a sleepout, give up chocolate, swearing, or take on a digital detox. It’s totally up to you.”

Helping Families Rebuild

ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and essential aid such as mosquito nets, solar lights, kitchen sets, and blankets to families who have lost everything. The charity works closely with affected communities to understand what’s needed most, ensuring people get the right support to rebuild their lives.

Right now, ShelterBox is helping people affected by conflict in Gaza, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon, as well as responding to extreme weather disasters in Ethiopia and Somalia.

Louisa says: “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 sleep outside in the snow, take on sponsored swimathons, and even litter-pick every day for 40 days to raise money for ShelterBox.”

How Your Donations Help

Every donation—big or small—makes a difference:

• £15 can fund a solar light for families left in darkness
• £60 can provide a water filter for those with no access to clean drinking water
• £405 can supply a family tent for people who’ve lost their homes

People can sign up online for the challenge at Tent for Lent appeal – ShelterBox. Participants will receive everything they need to get started, along with ideas to inspire others to join in.

To share your Tent for Lent challenge, email community@shelterbox.org.

About ShelterBox

ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and essential aid to families who have lost their homes to disasters. The charity, which has its operational headquarters in Cornwall, has supported more than three million people since it was founded in 2000.

ShelterBox also has 13 affiliate organisations worldwide and has been Rotary International’s project partner in disaster relief since 2012.

Find out more at www.shelterbox.org.