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Long-time Rotary member and Ambassador for ShelterBox, Tom Lloyd, received special recognition from Matthew Saxton, Vice President for Development, for his work raising awareness and funds for the organization.
Both Lloyd and Saxton spoke at the recent Breakfast Program meeting about the growth of ShelterBox and the rising need for disaster relief around the world due to natural disasters and international conflicts.
“We appreciate all of Tom's historic work and support of our mission,” said Saxton. “Thank you to the club for having me there and the continued engagement with ShelterBox.”
Saxton spoke about recent disaster work of ShelterBox providing relief including: five hurricanes in Jamaica; working with non-UN agencies trying to get aid into Gaza; working with local Rotary clubs in the Philippines to provide aid to over 10,000 people affected by earthquakes and typhoons; and in the US providing relieve from hurricanes Helene, Milton, and the wildfires in Los Angeles.
In 2000, the idea for ShelterBox came from the Rotary Club of Helson-Lizard in Cornwall, England, when watching the news and wanting to do more after seeing that people were left with nothing after a disaster.
In addition to providing some temporary structure, ShelterBox provides basic necessities such as bedding, clothing, stoves, cooking supplies, hygiene kits, water filters, solar lights, and mosquito nets.
According to ShelterBox, the needs are increasing while humanitarian aid is shrinking. There are 123 million people around the world have lost their homes to disaster and conflict. Some 7.85 million people are newly displaced in 2025 —driven by aid cuts and conflict in Afghanistan, DRC, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Yemen. And climate-related disasters continue to rise.
Chestnut Hill Rotary is a frequent recipient of the ShelterBox "HERO" Award, which recognizes Rotary clubs that have shown commitment in making an impact on worldwide disaster response, by providing financial support of at least $1,000.
Donate, or learn more about how you can help by visiting ShelterBoxUSA.
