Newquay woman's litter pick challenge for people left without shelter after disaster
Jenn Sandiford is raising funds for ShelterBox's Tent for Lent Appeal
A Newquay woman has embarked on a unique mission this Lent to make a positive difference to the local environment while supporting people around the world left without shelter after disaster.
Every day throughout Lent, Jenn Sandiford will be litter picking her way around Newquay, in the company of her dog Groot, to raise funds for ShelterBox's Tent for Lent Appeal.
The international disaster relief charity provides emergency shelter and essential aid items for people uprooted from their homes by conflict and disaster.
The charity’s Tent for Lent Appeal aims to raise awareness and funds to support their mission of ensuring no family goes without shelter.
Inspired by the urgent need to address both local and global challenges, Jenn, 38, decided to combine her passion for environmental responsibility with a commitment to humanitarian causes.
She said: "I’m really proud to work for ShelterBox, but I wanted to do more. I am taking on the challenge of completing 40 litter picks over Lent.
"For me, this highlights a massive issue, that our impact on the environment has its consequences, and those consequences, are felt more by people in poorer countries, those people who are feeling the increased effect of climate instability and have no means to protect themselves from extreme weather."
Jenn’s work at ShelterBox involves supporting volunteers and in her spare time she loves to be outdoors and spend time with her loved ones.
Jenn, who likes to walk, spend time in the sea, and sings with several community choirs, adds: "I want to lead by example and clean up my local environment, raise awareness of the damage we’re making and support ShelterBox with some fundraising so we can continue our work."
ShelterBox currently has 12 active responses across the world and has confirmed a response in Gaza.
Working alongside Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), the charity is set to support thousands of people with emergency shelter aid to help people survive wet and cold weather, and items like blankets, mattresses, and kitchen sets.
Louisa Arnold, Community Fundraising Officer at ShelterBox, says: "We are incredibly grateful for the support of people like Jenn who, through their creative fundraising, raise awareness of our work around the world.
"Litter picking every day for ShelterBox is such a tangible way to make a difference locally but also help us have an impact all around the world for people left without shelter after disaster.
"The Tent for Lent Appeal is an opportunity for the community to come together and make a real difference in the lives of those facing the harshest conditions and we’ve had almost 50 people and community groups sign up already.
"People are raising money in lots of different ways like giving up their beds or saving money to donate by giving up their favourite snack. Lent has only just started and there’s plenty of time for other people wanting to get involved to join in."