Alstonville man Mike Greenslade has just returned from Nigeria where he has been working for international disaster relief agency ShelterBox. The west African country was hit by record flooding at the end of August, affecting some two million people and leaving tens of thousands homeless. Mike, a 48-year-old photographer, is a director of ShelterBox Australia and has deployed 17 times with the charity.
Mike said, ‘The floods in Nigeria did not have the impact on the global media that Hurricane Sandy did but the damage caused was even greater. Thousands of poor families who live on the banks of the River Niger had their homes severely damaged or completely washed away.
‘ShelterBox, a project partner of Rotary International, provides a short-term solution in these emergency situations. A sturdy tent, big enough for an extended family; water purification; mosquito nets; cooking equipment and blankets are among the contents of our iconic green boxes. Basically they’re a family survival kit.’
ShelterBox has been operational for 11 years and has responded to more than 200 disasters in 90 countries. The organisation receives support from Rotary clubs around the world and relies solely on donations from the public. Currently they have six active deployments over four continents.
This coming Saturday December 1there will be a fundraising concert in aid of ShelterBox Australia held at St Joseph’s McCarthy Hall, Main St, Alstonville at 7pm featuring local talent, including: Awesome Voices; Acapelicans; Northern Rivers Ukulele Orchestra; and Men Wot Sing.
Tickets are $15/$12 concession/$40 per family.
www.shelterboxaustralia.com.au [email protected] 0459 959 501
