ShelterBox launches annual Tent for Lent campaign
The Cornish international disaster relief charity are encouraging people to have a go to help fund emergency shelter
A Cornish international disaster relief charity is encouraging people to give up something for Lent to help fund emergency shelter for people with nowhere to live after disaster.
ShelterBox are launching their annual Tent for Lent campaign.
The charity supports people who have been uprooted from their homes by disaster or conflict, providing emergency shelter and essential items.
Community Fundraising Officer Louisa Arnold says: "Tent for Lent is one of my favourite fundraisers in our calendar because we’re so often surprised by the wonderful ideas our supporters come up with, even when economic times are tricky.
"Our fundraisers take on the challenge in so many different ways from giving up takeout coffees, their Friday night takeaway, or in some cases even their beds to save or raise money for ShelterBox."
Grandmother of nine, Valerie Allen, gave up her bed last year, sleeping in a tent in her garden for 40 nights at the age of 78.
Despite facing harsh weather, and not having camped for over a decade, Valerie was determined to make a difference - raising over £2,000 to help people she’ll never meet:
"I made the decision to sleep in a tent for 40 nights when the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria happened and could not begin to imagine how it might feel to lose your home and even loved ones in a matter of minutes. Tent for Lent was a challenge I felt I had to do."
Fundraiser John Cleverly was just as committed to the cause, braving the elements, and tackling snow, hail, and gale force winds, with a weekly camp-out on Dartmoor with his dog, Lula.
The money raised by fundraisers like John and Valerie helps fund ShelterBox responses around the world.
The charity is currently supporting people who have been displaced from their homes due to extreme drought in Somalia and Ethiopia, as well as conflict in countries like Yemen. It's also supporting people facing harsh winter temperatures without shelter in places like Syria and Ukraine.
Louisa continues: "We couldn’t continue to do the important work we do around the world without our fundraisers or supporters.
"We’re always amazed at, and incredibly grateful for, the dedication and determination of our supporters who give up their time, energy and even home comforts in support of ShelterBox.
"However people chose to fundraise, every penny saved or raised and donated will make a difference."