Letter: ShelterBox’s urgent appeal for volunteers

Dear Editor,  

At the international disaster relief charity, ShelterBox, we’re fortunate to be supported by a wonderful network of volunteers that help make the work we do possible. 

With more people than ever in urgent need of emergency shelter, our charity is growing so we can reach more people affected by disaster and conflict. To help us do that and achieve our mission of no-one without shelter after disaster, we’re appealing for more volunteer ambassadors to join our global network of humanitarians. 

ShelterBox was founded by volunteers over 20 years ago, and volunteers still play a vital role in the work we do. Our ambassadors get involved in many ways. From giving presentations about our work and hosting stalls at local fetes to organising community activities and promoting our work on social media.  

We’d love to hear from people who have the heart to make a difference and the spirit to take action. It’s a chance to meet like-minded people and, with the right support and training, gain a deeper understanding of the humanitarian sector and the work we do around the world.  

Our current responses include Gaza where up to 1.7 million people have been displaced by conflict, severe flooding in Malawi, and drought and flooding in Somalia. Since 2000, we have supported more than 2.5 million people across around 100 countries with different combinations of emergency shelter, support, and essential household items.  

Volunteering with ShelterBox is completely flexible around people’s skills and time commitments. However volunteers contribute their time and energy, each volunteer plays a crucial role in building a resilient future for communities in need. 

To find out more visit shelterbox.org/volunteer/ambassadors or contact me via jennifersandiford@shelterbox.org. 

Jenn Sandiford 

Community Volunteer Engagement Officer 

ShelterBox