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Gardner Rotary to hold ShelterBox Event March 4th at Austin's

Posted on Feb. 23rd, 2010

Posted by Peter Solie
GardnerEDGE

Two boys happy to have the tent provided by ShelterBox. Gardner Rotary will be holding a fundraiser for ShelterBox at Austin's on Thursday, March 4th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (ShelterBox photo)

The Gardner Rotary Club is sponsoring an event at Austin's Bar and Grill on March 4th to raise funds for ShelterBox. ShelterBox is an organization that provides a tent and necessary supplies to families in need following a disaster.

According to the ShelterBox web site, the project started, "...as the brainchild of one Rotarian with the support of his Rotary club in year 2000 – ShelterBox has grown to become the largest Rotary Club project in the 100 year history of the organization." Rotarian support currently contributes an estimated 50% of ShelterBox donations. Around 5,000 rotary clubs worldwide have supported ShelterBox since it was launched.

Although ShelterBox is not a "Rotary" organization or project, much of the support comes from Rotary and the logo is now emblazoned on the tents and other distributed supplies.

Last year, the Gardner Rotary Club partnered with King of King's Lutheran Church to purchase a ShelterBox. That box was distributed to a family in Bangladesh following Tropical Cyclone Aila in May of 2009.

Melissa Mundt, Chair of the International Service Committee for the Gardner Rotary said, "We will be matching the first $1,000 raised at this event. Our goal is it to raise at least $2,000 and to purchase a minimum of two ShelterBoxes."

A sample ShelterBox will be on display during the event for donors to see the materials and how it is put together. Each box costs $1,000 and provides shelter and essentials for 10 people for up to six months.

The Shelter Box contains:

• Mosquito Nets
• Water Purification Tablets
• Water Containers
• Waterproof Ponchos
• Waterproof Ground Sheets
• Rope
• Tools
• 10 Person Tent
• Stove
• 10 Sleeping Bags
• Pots/Pans
• Dishes and Utensils
• Children's School Supplies
• The Box

The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend this event. A fee of $30.00 will be charged for those attending the fundraiser. Your $30 will cover appetizers and a $20.00 donation towards the purchase of a ShelterBox. Individuals who wish to support this effort, but cannot attend the event are encouraged to make donations to the Gardner Rotary.

Gardner Rotary - ShelterBox Event
Thursday, March 4th
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Austin's Bar and Grill
$30.00 (includes $20.00 donation to ShelterBox)