‘My mother hugged me tightly to keep me safe.’
An international charity is today sharing the true stories of the people its teams help on the ground.
Their experiences mark the start of ShelterBox’s urgent Christmas fundraising appeal which aims to support more families who’re often left without shelter following disasters.
ShelterBox’s teams are currently supporting people around the world as they face an uncertain future blighted by the harsh reality of displacement caused by earthquakes, floods, and conflict.
The testimonies of survivors show how the Cornwall based charity’s work can make all the difference to help provide emergency shelters, and essential aid, when disaster affects the heart of a community.
‘An earthquake struck while the nurses were showing my baby to me. I was terrified for my newborn boy,’ says Thiri, a mother in Myanmar who gave birth just moments before a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake destroyed her hospital and home.
‘I looked around and saw everything shaking violently, with many things being destroyed. As I focused on my child, I felt lost. My mother hugged me tightly to keep me safe.’
Thiri’s story is one of resilience and survival. After escaping the collapsing hospital, she and her newborn son were forced to live outdoors for days.
ShelterBox and its local partners supported Thiri with emergency shelter and essential items to support her family to rebuild their lives. Aid included a solar light and kitchen set.
‘Currently, we are living in this tent, and we have added another layer of protection to the roof so that my baby and I can stay safe inside,’ adds Thiri. ‘My baby is in good health, and I am proud to have delivered him despite the challenges.’
Teams assisting with humanitarian support in Gaza. Image provided by ShelterBox.
‘Shelter can save lives and support people’
ShelterBox relies on public donations to fund its responses across the world. What’s in its’ aid packages vary so that communities get what they need depending on their circumstance.
They may include a tent, or shelter repair kit, and essential items like solar lights, water filter, or a kitchen set. Over the past 25 years, ShelterBox has supported more than three million people, but the need continues to grow.
The charity explains that climate change and conflict is displacing more families than ever. It adds that an estimated that one in six people could lose their homes in the next 25 years.
This winter, ShelterBox is responding to many crises around the world, including places like Afghanistan and Syria, where temperatures fall below freezing, leaving displaced people at risk of dying from the cold.
Many are living out in the open or makeshift shelters without the basics to survive the cold.
ShelterBox is responding to many crises around the world, including places like Afghanistan. Image provided by ShelterBox.
‘It’s only a matter of time before the next disaster strikes,’ says Emily Mullen, Head of Supporter Engagement at ShelterBox.
‘When it does, more families will need urgent and lifesaving aid. That’s why this festive season we’re asking local communities to give whatever they can to support.’
‘Shelter can save lives and support people to recover after disaster – elderly grandparents, mothers, fathers and young children – who will face losing their home in the weeks and months ahead.’
‘This Christmas – more than another pair of socks, more than perfume, cuddly toys, chocolates or books – a donation to fund lifesaving shelter could be the most important gift you give.’
‘It’s only a matter of time before the next disaster strikes’
In Syria, some families are beginning to return home after years of conflict. But for many, they’re returning to ruins, not homes.
ShelterBox teams explain it’s supporting people in their work to repair damaged homes so they can start rebuilding their lives.
For those who can’t return yet, they’re aiming to improve temporary shelters in informal settlements – so families have better protection from the harsh winter.
Shelterbox is setting up a site for donations and explains that just £20 could help to provide a family blanket to help people through cold nights.
A full shelter pack costs just under £600 and offers families protection from the weather. And £60 is enough to fund a water filter to bring families safe and clean water.
Breaktime News recently reported on Her Majesty The Queen recently joining volunteers, staff and supporters of ShelterBox.
