All of us want to help in times on a national emergency in another country, but sometimes just giving money isn't the only way to help.
This company, ShelterBox, has a very nice package that can be customized for the disaster and then delivered to the affected area at a very reasonable price.
I think that this kind of aid would be much more beneficial to folks in need, as often stores are not open or even left standing, making it impossible to spend money anyhow!
Each box is packed at ShelterBox HQ in Cornwall, England. Depending on the location and nature of the disaster the contents of the box may vary but each box typically contains...
Shelter
At the heart of every ShelterBox is a disaster relief tent for a family of up to 10 people. It is custom made for ShelterBox by Vango, one of the world’s leading tent manufacturers, and is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high winds and heavy rainfall. Internally, each tent has privacy partitions that allow recipients to divide the space as they see fit.
A smile
A children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens. For children who have lost most, if not all,their possessions, these small gifts are treasured.
Warmth and protection
In addition to the tent, there is a range of other survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, essential in areas where temperatures plummet at nightfall. Where malaria is prevalent mosquito nets are supplied, as well a life saving means of water purification. Water supplies often become contaminated after a major disaster, as infrastructure and sanitation systems are destroyed, this presents a secondary but no less dangerous threat to survivors than the initial disaster itself.
Self sufficiency
A basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters enables people to improve their immediate environment, by chopping firewood or digging a latrine, for example. Then, when it is possible, to start repairing or rebuilding the home they were forced to leave.
Fit for purpose
Every item is durable, practical and brand new. The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past - from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newly born baby.
A heart to the home
Key items are either a wood burning or multi-fuel stove. The multi-fuel stove can burn anything from diesel to old paint. Some boxes also contain our specially designed wood burning Frontier Stove, pictured below. This provides the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate. In addition, there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers.
Adaptability
We keep a broad range of equipment in stock so we can adapt the contents of a box to a specific disaster. For example, following the Javanese earthquake in 2006, when some resources were available locally or could be salvaged from buildings, the overwhelming need was for shelter – so we just sent tents, packing two in each box.
Now this is kind of like a bug out package for the whole family that all of the Preppers I know have for their own use! I just thought it was interesting that there was a company who specialized in this type of product. Not a bad idea, in my way of thinking!
I'm sure that many people in places like Japan would be very happy to have something like this right now! Not to mention all the folks in our own areas here in the states who are homeless due to floods and tornados.
I think that a smaller package similar to this could be put together as a gift to members of our own families, who haven't quite caught on that they might be needed some day! If a small amount of food items were included, you could just hand them a package at your door, point them to the yard or the road, and say "good luck"! Better than having them just hang around with their hands out, trying to lay a guilt trip on ya!
Now, want some coffee on the patio this morning? C'mon...I'll share with you!
