ShelterBox Launches 40-Day Tent for Lent Appeal to Support Displaced Families

An international disaster relief charity based in Cornwall has launched a new 40 day challenge encouraging people to support families who have lost their homes after disasters around the world.

ShelterBox is kicking off its annual Tent for Lent appeal, inviting people to fundraise in support of families displaced by earthquakes, floods, drought or conflict.

The appeal focuses on people who have been forced from their homes through no fault of their own, offering supporters a way to turn compassion into practical help during Lent.

📷Jenn Sandiford with Groot during her litter pick fundraiser for ShelterBox

Turning compassion into action

Speaking about the appeal, Harpreet Kaur, Community & Events Manager at ShelterBox, said Lent is a time when many people pause and reflect on how they can help others.

“By fundraising in your own way, individually or with your local church, school, or community, you can help support families with emergency shelter and essentials when they no longer have a place to call home,” Harpreet said.

People can take part on their own or as part of a group, choosing fundraising activities that suit them.

📷Valerie Allen's 80km challenge for ShelterBox to mark milestone birthday

What support looks like on the ground

ShelterBox specialises in emergency shelter and works directly with communities to understand what they need most after disaster strikes. Support can include tents or shelter repair kits to help families begin rebuilding, as well as essential items such as solar lights, mosquito nets, kitchen sets and warm blankets.

The charity is currently supporting people affected by conflict in Gaza, Sudan and Yemen. It is also responding to earthquakes in Afghanistan and Myanmar, as well as extreme weather in Ethiopia and Somalia.

Harpreet said people take part in a wide range of creative ways each year, including camping outside, digital detoxes, swimathons and litter picks, adding that every contribution makes a meaningful difference to people facing the unthinkable.

📷A family supported by ShelterBox and Islamic Relief Pakistan after severe flooding in Pakistan

How donations can help

The charity has outlined how donations could support families in crisis:

• £15 can provide a solar light to families left in darkness

• £60 can supply a water filter when only dirty water is available

• £402 can fund a family tent when a home has been destroyed

Anyone can sign up to take part in Tent for Lent via shelterbox.org. Those who want to share their challenge with the charity can also email community@shelterbox.org.

A global charity with Cornish roots

ShelterBox is an international organisation with its headquarters in Truro. It has staff, volunteers and partners working in locations across the world.

The charity believes shelter is the foundation for survival, stability and dignity, helping people stay safe, healthy and together while taking steps towards recovery after disaster.

📷A young girl supported by ShelterBox and Islamic Relief Pakistan after severe flooding in Pakistan.j

📷ShelterBox supporter John Cleverly and his dog Lula giving up their beds to camp on Dartmoor for Tent 4 Lent 2023.