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February 11, 2020
ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity established in 2000 in Helston, Cornwall, UK, that provides emergency shelter and other aid items to families around the world who have lost their homes to disaster or conflict. The charity's HQ is based in Truro,[1] Cornwall UK where a ShelterBox visitor centre is also located. This disaster-relief visitor attraction hosts various exhibitions related to the disasters the charity has responded to, a weather lab, and other activities for children and school groups.
ShelterBox responds to natural disasters such as earthquakes,[2] tropical cyclones,[3] tsunamis,[4] floods[5] and volcanic eruptions.[6] The charity also provides emergency aid to families who have been displaced by war or conflict, in places such as Syria and the Lake Chad Basin.[7]
Typical ShelterBox aid items include tents as temporary shelter or ShelterKits to allow people to build or rebuild durable shelters. ShelterBox also provides other aid items such as mosquito nets, water filters, water carriers, solar lights, cooking sets, blankets and mats. A sturdy green box packed with the necessary aid items is often provided to families in places where ShelterBox responds.