Time continues to move swiftly, and we find ourselves already completing the third quarter of the 24-25 Rotary year. Once again Rotary Clubs across the country have supported people devastated by disaster both near and far by donating to ShelterBox USA. We are incredibly grateful for your continued support. Below are some highlights of the last few months.
It is with great pleasure that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown on being honored with the Hero Award for outstanding contributions to ShelterBox. The Clubs dedication and relentless efforts have made a significant impact on countless lives, helping to rebuild communities and restore hope in times of despair. This recognition is a testament to exceptional commitment to humanitarian service.

At the beginning of 2025 Los Angeles wildfires tore through neighborhoods destroying thousands of homes and buildings and leaving tens of thousands of people displaced. With your support, ShelterBox USA has been on the frontlines providing relief to those in need. We joined forces with Rotary District 5300, Amazon Disaster, and a network of dedicated volunteers to provide the critical household supplies that residents urgently needed.
Alongside staff and volunteers, one of our most inspiring heroes, long-time ShelterBox USA ambassador, Rene Amy, whose own home was lost in the fires, stepped forward to help distribute aid. Despite his personal loss, Rene’s strength and commitment continue to uplift his community, a testament to the resilience we all share. His selflessness exemplifies the true spirit of humanitarian service.

To amplify our impact, we committed a $100,000 matching grant to Rotary Districts 5280 and 5300, ensuring additional relief to those in the hardest-hit areas. Thanks to your unwavering support, ShelterBox USA is making a life-changing difference in communities struck by disaster, both at home in Los Angeles and around the world. This comprehensive response demonstrated the strength of collaboration between ShelterBox
USA and Rotary, in supporting communities in crisis.

As you may have heard, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake has struck Myanmar and Thailand, causing catastrophic damage and leaving tens of thousands homeless. Both countries have declared a state of emergency, and authorities in Myanmar have urgently requested international humanitarian assistance—a rare and critical appeal that underscores the severity of the crisis. Significant aftershocks followed, with tremors felt as far away as China. Search and rescue efforts are underway amidst damaged roads, bridges, and buildings, and the death toll continues to rise. This is an urgent humanitarian crisis. ShelterBox is responding and deployed a response team to Bangkok to coordinate relief efforts. Given the magnitude and shallow depth of this earthquake, we anticipate extensive destruction, particularly around Sagaing and Mandalay in Myanmar, areas already burdened
by significant humanitarian crises and conflict-driven displacement.

How can you help? ShelterBox has extensive experience responding to disasters in Myanmar, providing families with emergency shelter, essential supplies, and critical support. But we cannot do it without you. Please consider donating—your generosity will directly help families facing unimaginable loss after disasters. ShelterBox USA is celebrating 25 years of providing humanitarian support, we are incredibly grateful for those of you who were able to join us in New Orleans to celebrate with us. It was a fun and motivational weekend. You can continue to help us celebrate 25 years of humanitarian service through the 25 in 25 Challenge!

Please join us on Wednesday April 30th from 9:00-10:00 am PST for the ShelterBox USA Webinar All Hands Rotary Update: Don’t Wait Until Disaster Strikes. Join us for an opportunity to celebrate Hero Clubs, hear from our ShelterBox USA President, Kerri Murray for an international response update and gain insight from a US response panel. Registration is required. Click here to register.  

Lastly, the Rotary International Convention is quickly approaching, June 22-25, 2025. We hope to see you there!