Now that Summer has well and truly arrived, that means our holiday season is just around the corner. Whether you’ll be celebrating Christmas, or simply the joy that comes through togetherness with your family, whānau and friends, on behalf of our ShelterBox New Zealand team, I’m wishing you a very healthy, happy and safe time ahead.
Before we wrap up this year, we also want to take the opportunity to say another big Thank You to all of you at JB Hi-Fi.
Because of you and your Helping Hands programme, we’ve been able to help thousands of families worldwide – providing them with the tools they need to recover after they’ve lost everything in the chaos of conflict and disaster.
Although this work doesn’t often make the headlines, it is lifesaving. And it’s only possible with your support. Thank you for helping us transform lives globally, and to bring hope to families who have lost so much.
Please join us as we look back on the impact that you’ve been a part of collectively creating this year. Below you’ll find a thank you video from me, and snapshots of what this has meant for the people on the receiving end of your kindness.
Ngā mihi o Te Wā,
Claire
Dr Claire Achmad|Chair, ShelterBox New Zealand Charitable Trust Board
P.S. It’s not too late to give the gift of ShelterBox to your loved ones this holiday season. Choose a gift with impact by scrolling down and visiting our Christmas Gift Shop. For as little as $20, you can give the gift of shelter and hope, for someone who needs it now. Thank you!
Looking back on the year and the difference you've made
At ShelterBox, our global vision is no one without shelter. When people are forced to flee their homes, emergency shelter can be the first step to recovery. So much more than a roof and four walls, shelter offers a place to feel safe after days or weeks of fear, provides protection from harsh weather, and helps to preserve dignity.
Throughout 2022, we've worked alongside global partners to provide emergency shelter and essential aid items to thousands of individuals who have been affected by some of the world's worst disasters and humanitarian crises.
This is all thanks to your support. Here are some of the ways you have helped us make a difference this year ...
Ukraine: In response to the conflict in Ukraine, we have provided 12,000 mattresses to people living in collective centres and supported 4,000 individuals with high-priority items (like hygiene kits). We are now focusing on supporting 2,000 families to prepare for the winter months ahead with the distribution of winter clothing items and repair kits.
Burkina Faso: Due to violent conflict, many displaced people in Burkina Faso are sheltering in the open. This year, we supported over 22,000 people with essential aid items, and added a new type of culturally-appropriate Sahelian tent to our aid range.
Pakistan: Since June, Pakistan has been overwhelmed by severe flooding. Our specialist teams are currently in-country, working to support people in the worst-affected areas with water filters, blankets, solar lights and cash assistance. So far, 1,200 households have received aid.
Yemen: Yemen is currently experiencing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. This year, we supported 1,350 displaced families with blankets and household items. During this project, we became aware that displacement sites are constantly threatened by fire. In response, we distributed fire extinguishers throughout the communities we were supporting.
Philippines: After Typhoon Rai devastated the Philippines in December 2021, we worked alongside local partners to support over 20,000 families.
Ethiopia: Conflict has forced millions of Ethiopians from their homes. We provided 8,000 families with tarpaulins, rope, wash basins, blankets, sleeping mats, kitchen sets and mosquito nets.
“Since I came here, I have been living in a tent that I made out of bags and cartons. Now I am happy ... I have got this tent, household appliances, kitchenware, masks, filters to clean water, mosquito nets, solar lamp and other things. I will benefit from these things a lot. Me and my family will use the tent to live in and these tools to cook and drink clean water. We will be protected from rain, dust, and other things. Thanks a lot"
- Racia, Mozambique
Give a gift with global impact this Christmas season
Christmas is just around the corner. Are you still looking for the perfect gift for a special someone? Why not visit our Christmas Gift Shop, and give a gift with global impact.
Our virtual shop is here to make meaningful giving easy. For as little as $20, you can honour someone special in your life, by paying it forward to help a person in need:
1. Pick a life-changing gift from our virtual shop
2. We’ll send you an eCard to pass on to the recipient which explains the impact of your gift
3. Your gift will fund emergency shelter needs worldwide, enabling us to provide shelter and hope to families who have lost their home due to disaster or conflict
This year, 120 million people around the globe will be spending Christmas without a home, and basic necessities - and this is a great opportunity for you to make a difference in their lives.
