GUEST SPEAKER: Geoff Lloyd, Oshawa Rotarian and Shelterbox Ambassador
Dr. Kris Sachdeva introduced Geoff to our Club. He was the President of the Rotary Club of Oshawa in 2015-16. He was born in England in Cornwall , very close to the headquaters of Shelterbox, retired from the police force there, and came to Canada where he is an ordained minister. Geoff is married with 3 children and a 2 year old granddaughter.
Geoff noted that in 2018, more than 88 million people lost their homes. Of that total, 17.7 million due to conflicts in the world and another 17.2 million due to natural disasters. Those two numbers are more that the population of Canada.
He noted that recovery starts with shelter. It is a home. The demand, however, is so big that only one in 5 receive the shelter they need after a disaster occurs.
Shelterbox exists so that no vulnerable family will be without shelter. They are on stand-by right now watching Australia to see when they can help.
Rotary International has made Shelterbox a Rotary Partner.
Why shelter? – It is home – for families and for communities. It helps rebuild. Shelterbox provides the tools to start the process of recovery. It brings safety, privacy, security in bringing families together .
The focus is on emergency shelter.
Since Shelterbox began in 2000, they have responded, worldwide to 300 disasters in 100 countries and have helped 1.2 million people.
They go the extra mile. They continually monitor the world for potential disasters, carefully assess each situation and respond.
It is very fortunate that in most cases, there is a Rotary Club near by who greatly assist by listening to the community needs and pointing out the most vulnerable families to help the community and empowers families to help them get back on their feet and on the road to recovery.
With tenst , and tools and now Shelter Kits, the Shelterbox gets thenright tools for the right situation.
Tents are good from -50 C to + 50 C are wtareproof, UV protected and protect against high winds and rain.
The kits have rope, tarps, hammer, saw, shovel and pliers.
The new solar lihhts last up to 16 hrs with one charge. They hang up on the outside of the tent during the day and provide light at night. In most cases, there is no power.
Rotary has been the life blood of Shelterbox since its existence. There are over 1,000 Rotary members involved in Shelterbox worldwide.
A complete Shelterbox cost $1,200 CDN, a Kit $150, and the solar lught $35. Volunteers are always welcome , especial Rotarians.
Here is a link to their website https://www.shelterboxcanada.org/ . There is a new article, every month, in your District 7070 Rotary Newsletter. Take a look for all the news.
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Oshawa-Parkwood, Kris Sachdeva, Director for international Service , presented Geoff with a cheque for $1,200.
Geoff was thanked by Mike McLaren
Meeting Adjourned
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