Close to 1.5 millions people have been left homeless in Haiti.
Shelter Box response began 12 minutes after the earthquake struck. The immediate aftermath presented huge challenges not only for Shelter Boxes but for all the aid agencies. The infrastructure of Port au Prince was in effect devastated with the port installations damaged and the airstrip unusable. Getting aid into the country was the first priority. Logistic problems were sorted out by the American Air Force, and in the meantime Shelter Box set up hubs in Miami and Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic). Shelter boxes were sent to France for their air force to transport onward and Virgin Airways carried them in hold free of charge.
By Sunday 17th the first Shelter boxes arrived to be met by Shelter Box teams from the UK and USA, providing emergency shelter for 20 000 in Port au Prince and the surrounding areas, and a further 11 000 people have now been given Shelter Boxes.
John Leach, the head of Shelter Box operations in Haiti, says the need is massive and emergency shelter is desperately needed with the tents being used as orphanages and emergency hospitals. The response teams are working with Dutch marines to ensure safe and effective delivery of the boxes and thousands are still needed.
Many thanks to those who have already helped in this direct and material help for stricken Haiti. Thanks to those who have already given so generously to maintain this cause. Special thanks to the Journal and its readers for all the help given to the Rotary Club of Grantham in its support of the Shelter Box Appeal.
Rosalba Bertram. President of the Rotary Club of Grantham
 As you can see, there are all kinds of ways that Grantham people can raise money for these worthwhile causes.
Each Shelter Box costs £490 and now we joint appeal and the drop-off points will continue for a while yet.
