Since operations began in January 2001, we have helped over 600,000 people and worked in more than 45 countries – responding to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, wars, volcanoes etc.

ShelterBox was set up by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard and all aid is distributed from our base in Cornwall. The charity is supported by international affiliates set up by Rotary clubs in various other countries, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand and the USA.

The charity's President is HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. For details of recent deployments and other events, please visit our latest news pages.

>>> What is inside a ShelterBox?

Our mission
“To provide humanitarian aid worldwide in the form of shelter, warmth and comfort to people displaced by natural and other disasters.”

A unique solution
Our solution to disasters is the ShelterBox – a tough, green plastic box containing a 10-person tent and ancillary equipment designed to enable a family of up to 10 people survive for at least six months.

Made to a unique design using high quality materials, our tents are suitable for a wide range of conditions. Other items may include insulated groundsheets, thermal blankets, a multi-fuel stove, cooking equipment, tools, mosquito nets, water containers etc.

Exact contents will depend upon local conditions and what is most needed. See what's in a box here.

ShelterBox works directly with local organisations in countries where disasters have occurred, in partnership with other aid agencies and through the international Rotary network.

Our volunteer teams often oversee the distribution of boxes to individual recipients – making sure aid gets direct to those people who need it most.

More information can be found at www.shelterbox.org