PRESS RELEASE: FORMER CHIEF OF AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE SUPPORTS SHELTER AS A HUMAN RIGHT
MEDIA RELEASE
FORMER CHIEF OF AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE SUPPORTS SHELTER AS A HUMAN RIGHT
The 10th of December is World Human Rights Day and in recognition of shelter as a basic human right, international disaster relief charity ShelterBox Australia is promoting ‘Giving Day’, aiming to raise over $100k in support of their global response to disasters.
With over 100 million people reported by the UN to be homeless as a result of disasters or conflict in 2020, coupled with the added threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of shelter as a human right is at the forefront of international aid.
In support of this amazing initiative, Sir Angus Houston, the Patron of ShelterBox Australia and former Chief of the Australian Defence Force, said,
“ShelterBox continues to impress me with their no-nonsense, practical approach to disaster relief. Their determination to reach the most vulnerable in the hard-reach places of the world sets them apart. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the need for emergency shelter and in many cases, shelter provision can save lives”
“The organisation’s ability to ‘pivot’ during the current crisis and continue to support families in need, shows that where there is a will, there is a way. Now, more than ever, the world needs organisations like ShelterBox”
“10 December is World Human Rights Day and I urge you to promote shelter as a basic human right and support ShelterBox Australia and those made homeless by natural disasters and conflict’.
“As ShelterBox often reminds us – disasters don’t stop and neither do they”
A ShelterBox press release is added below and provides additional detail on the background to ShelterBox.
For interviews, images and video footage, please contact CEO Mike Greenslade:
Tel: 0459 959 501
Email: [email protected]
CONTEXT
INTERNATIONAL DISASTER RELIEF CHARITY HOPES TO RAISE $100,000 ON WORLD HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
Did you know that more than 15 million people have been made homeless by disaster and conflict in 2020? The UN puts the total figure at an incredible 104 million. Disaster relief charity, ShelterBox is doing something to change this.
10th December is World Human Rights Day and this year, ShelterBox Australia will be promoting shelter as a basic human right. As well as an extensive nationwide media campaign, the charity is holding its inaugural Giving Day, calling on everyday Australians to stand united with those left homeless by disaster and conflict.
ShelterBox Australia CEO and Response Team member, Mike Greenslade said,
‘I urge the Australian public to get behind this campaign. Despite our recent troubles, this is still the ‘Lucky Country’. For many, the COVID-19 pandemic is a disaster on top of disaster. Disaster-affected communities and people living in overcrowded camps are left especially vulnerable, with little-to-no space for self-isolating and social distancing. ShelterBox has continued to help communities rebuild and recover during the COVID-19 crisis by working with trusted partners on the ground. We have adapted our response model to supply hygiene and personal protection equipment as well as materials to educate people about the dangers of the virus and how they can protect themselves. In these testing times, our shelter options of tents, tarpaulins or shelter kits can provide a safe place for a family to isolate and aid items like water filters, solar lights and mosquito nets are invaluable. Now, more than ever, shelter saves lives.’
ShelterBox is currently responding in the Philippines, Honduras, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria and Syria
To find out more about the work of ShelterBox and promote shelter as a basic human right, please visit www.shelterboxaustralia.org.au
For interviews, images and footage, please contact Mike on 0459 959 501
Or email [email protected]
