Bristol event hopes to share insight into humanitarian crises around the world
The West Country charity, ShelterBox, is hosting an event in Bristol tonight - inspiring people to learn about the inspiring work they do
A West Country charity is hosting an event in Bristol tonight, in a bid to share more about the vital humanitarian work they do.
Shelterbox, based in Cornwall, are in the city today, hoping to bring home the global impact which the charity has, as they support those left homeless by conflict or disaster all over the world.
The charity currently has an emergency response team in Morocco to help support people who have lost their homes in the devastating earthquake that hit last month.
Joining forces with the Rotary Clubs of Bristol, ShelterBox is inviting people to discover more about the inspiring work the charity does across the world. Guests will be given exclusive insight with speakers sharing personal stories about global and very current responses.
Those attending their event tonight (18 October) will have the chance to hear from ShelterBox Supply Chain Specialist, Sophia Novelli.
Sophia said: “We work all over the world in areas that are difficult to reach, whether it's due to geography, local or national politics, or cultural considerations, and it’s our job to find the most efficient way to get support or items into the country and to the people who need it most.
“First, we must understand if we, as an organisation hoping to provide support, are welcome to respond in the country that has been affected by the disaster. We then consider any damage to infrastructure and the challenges that may present. Then we have to look at how we get the aid into an area that is potentially still a conflict zone or devastated by severe weather or earthquakes. In some places we aren’t able to gain access, so we have to rethink our approach.
“The challenges are complex and dynamic, continuously evolving as events progress. No two days are the same dealing with the supply chain, but that’s one of the reasons I love working for ShelterBox.”
Since it was established by a Rotary club in Cornwall in 2000, the charity has supported 2.5 million people across around 100 countries.
They no longer provides aid in boxes, but now instead help by providing combinations of aid that are locally appropriate and packaged in a variety of ways to make a tangible difference.
Sophia added: "I’m proud of the work we’ve done up to this point, but there is always more to do. We’ll be sharing the nitty-gritty details of our responses, explaining the complexities we face, and proudly shouting about our success stories and the great impact ShelterBox has had around the world.
“I hope to encourage others to get involved in any way they can. I’m really thrilled to be speaking in Bristol and hope to see lots of people there.”
ShelterBox is currently working with partners in Libya to support people who have had their homes damaged or destroyed by extreme flooding that hit the northwest of the country last month. As well as supporting people in Syria, Türkiye, and Ukraine, providing items that will help keep individuals warm during the harsh winter months when the need for durable shelter and items to keep warm becomes more urgent.
Community and Events Manager, Lauren Muldowney, said: “It’s important for us to spread the word about the issues facing many communities around the world.
"We’re looking forward to shining a light on global humanitarian issues, the work ShelterBox does, and information on how people can get involved.”
“The evening will be a coming together of like-minded, passionate people who are keen to learn more about the world of humanitarian work and who would like to see a world where no one goes without shelter after disaster.”
The ticketed live event will be held in The Workshop Space at SPARKS Bristol from 6pm to 7.30pm.