It's 10 years since the ShelterBox charity was launched, right here in England's South West - Cornwall to be precise. And ever since, whenever there has been one of those major acts of cruel nature, flood, earthquake, landslide, tsunami, ShelterBoxes have been going out to wherever they are needed.
Each box contains a ten-person tent, thermal blankets, self-sufficiency tools, a woodburning or multi-fuel stove and specific items, when needed, such as mosquito nets and water purification tablets. And every box contains something for children too: drawing books, pens and crayons.
ShelterBox works because it is very clear, very focused in what it does and can act at top speed. Read about its work here.
And Twitter is helping to harness the power of cyberspace by promoting Bloggers for Haiti, which is raising money to send ShelterBoxes out to the earthquake zone. Posts by blogging chums, including Diary of a Desperate Exmoor Woman are popping up all the time, spreading the word.
You don't have to be a blogger to donate, although all bloggers are welcome, of course, and it could not be easier to give something. If you're a UK tax-payer please don't forget to Gift Aid it. Doesn't cost you anything and makes a huge difference to the total amount raised. Just click HERE.
Yes, big letters because I am shouting.
Fantastic; we're away - in no time at all. See comments . . .
Latest update @ 16.12 GMT, 21 January: over £3,700 raised so far; that's enough for seven ShelterBoxes and more than half way to number eight.
Job done...thanks for the pointer.
Posted by: Rattling On | 18 January 2010 at 03:49 PM
Thank you so much for picking up the ball from here, Rattling On!
Posted by: 60 Going On 16 | 18 January 2010 at 04:43 PM
We are regular supporters. They do great work.
Posted by: Maureen | 18 January 2010 at 06:59 PM
Thanks, D. Do difficult to decide where best to make a contribution. And this is so very practical.
Posted by: colleen | 18 January 2010 at 07:20 PM
I'm amazed at how much they've raised already with the help of bloggers! Well done, bloggers! And Shelterbox too. Such a worthwhile thing to be sending.
Posted by: Jay | 19 January 2010 at 12:11 PM
I discovered that particular charity via another blog whilst dithering about where to send a donation. The inclusion of the children's items in each box is a brilliant touch.
Posted by: Liz | 21 January 2010 at 01:50 PM
Tried to make my donation but somehow the process didn't work. So I will donate the same ammount more locally for Haiti. That's a pity because this seems like a good practical charity. Bravo to you for supporting what is obviously a really good project
Wendyx
Posted by: Wendy R | 30 January 2010 at 06:08 PM