40 days to support families who have lost their homes to disaster
The international disaster relief charity ShelterBox is launching its annual Tent for Lent appeal, supporting people left without shelter after disaster.
The ask is simple: fundraise for ShelterBox during Lent to help families who’ve lost their homes to earthquakes, drought, tropical storms and conflict.
ShelterBox supports people to rebuild and recover after disaster with shelter and essential items like mosquito nets, solar lights, kitchen sets, and blankets.
Most importantly, the charity works with affected communities to understand what is most needed to make the most tangible difference for people left with very little.
‘When there’s so much going on in the world, and so many crises, it can be hard to know what to do or how best to make a difference,’ explains Louisa Arnold, Community Fundraising Officer at ShelterBox.
‘Lent is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and give back – supporting people uprooted from their homes by conflict and disaster.’
For the appeal last year, people keen for a challenge gave up their beds, coffees, and social media – raising more than £17,000 for ShelterBox.
Supporting the charity’s appeal this year is the popular Westcountry Reverand from the latest series of The Traitors, Rev Lisa Coupland.
Image: ShelterBox
Tent for Lent: providing vital shelter for families
‘Taking part in Tent for Lent provides vital shelter for families who have lost their homes to disasters like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes or conflicts,’ says Revd. Coupland.
‘During Lent, together with your Church, your school, community, or by yourself, you can raise funds for emergency shelter. Crucial items like thermal blankets, family tents, or solar lights.’
‘It’s easy to start your fundraiser. Host a Lent lunch, run a collection, do a sleepout, give up chocolate, swearing, or do a digital detox, it’s totally up to you.’
‘What I love most about our Tent for Lent appeal is seeing the incredible creativity and dedication of our supporters each year.’
‘We’ve had fundraisers give up their beds to camp outside in the snow. Others have held sponsored swimathons, or litter picked every day for 40 days to raise money for ShelterBox.’
‘We’re always so humbled by every one of our supporters who gives up their time so we can continue to reach families in need of adequate shelter.’
The charity is currently supporting people affected by conflict in places like Gaza, Burkina Faso and Cameroon, as well as responding to extreme weather in places like Ethiopia and Somalia.
The charity explains that all donations go a long way to help as just £15 can help cover the costs of a solar light to help combat darkness with £60 assisting with the costs of a water filter.
Image: ShelterBox