Each year on February 23rd, Rotarians mark World Rotary Day. This date marks the anniversary of the first Rotary meeting in Chicago on February 23rd, 1905. From that beginning, Rotary is now a global organization that aims to create lasting change for the better.
Rotary has been an important part of ShelterBox’s history too. As such, to mark this World Rotary Day, we’re sharing 5 facts about our partnership with Rotary.
1. Without Rotary, there wouldn’t be a ShelterBox
ShelterBox was founded in the year 2000 by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard.
Rotary Clubs were asked to come up with projects to celebrate the millennium. This club was inspired by stories in the news of disasters, and a wish to help people left with nothing afterwards. As a result the club created ShelterBox, with the modest aim to help 8 to 10 families a year with a box of aid. The idea really took off! ShelterBox became an independent organisation in 2003, but Rotary remained instrumental in ShelterBox’s impact and growth.
This partnership was reinforced in 2012 when ShelterBox became Rotary’s official project partner in disaster relief. To this day Rotary provide vital support for our emergency responses, as well as incredibly valuable awareness and fundraising.
As the number of people displaced by conflict and climate-related disasters continues to rise, long-term partnerships are more important than ever. ShelterBox and Rotary continue to work together to ensure communities have access to emergency shelter and essential support when it is most needed.
2. Rotary is both a local and global organization, which can be seen in their work
Some people may know Rotary from their fundraising and charity work in the local community. While Rotary Clubs do work to support their local areas, Rotary as an organization also aims to have a wider, global impact.
One example of this is Rotary’s work to eradicate Polio worldwide. Eradicating an illness is ambitious. But through Rotary’s leadership and work, polio cases have reduced by 99.9%. Nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries have been immunised against the disease.
Rotary members can also be found in over 200 countries – that’s more than the United Nations! (Which includes 193 countries). Incidentally, Rotary members also helped found the UN.
This focus on global reach explains Rotary’s support of ShelterBox, as we work to supply shelter aid after disaster wherever it is needed. The Rotary motto is ‘service above self’ – something borne out by their actions.
3. Rotary is an active operational partner in many ShelterBox emergency responses
When disaster strikes, it’s important that we can respond as quickly as possible. Our contacts with Rotary have been a vital support for this many times.
Following Hurricane Melissa, ShelterBox has been working with the Rotary Club of Kingston in Jamaica to support communities affected by the storm. ShelterBox is providing emergency shelter and materials to help people begin their recovery.
By working closely with partners including Rotary and Food For The Poor, ShelterBox has been able to reach communities quickly and effectively, ensuring support is coordinated and responsive to local needs.
Rotarians and Rotaractors have played an important role in supporting these efforts through coordination, advocacy and community engagement.
Rotaract and ShelterBox in Ethiopia
ShelterBox is currently working in the Afar region of Ethiopia, supporting people who have been internally displaced by ongoing crises. As part of ShelterBox’s long-term engagement with Rotary in Ethiopia, a pilot project was delivered in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Through this project, seven Rotaractors were identified to support ShelterBox distributions alongside the response team. Working with local partners, the volunteers assisted with the distribution of shelter and essential aid items, including helping ensure support reached households where people were living with disabilities.
This collaboration highlights how Rotaract members can play a practical role in supporting humanitarian responses, contributing local knowledge, time and capacity alongside ShelterBox and its partners.
Learn more about the ShelterBox and Rotary International partnership.
4. Rotary members are incredible people of action!
As well as supporting us on the ground after disasters, Rotary members are also some of our most devoted fundraisers!
Rotary Clubs often pull together to help raise funds for ShelterBox, through fundraising events and more. In recognition of their dedication, ShelterBox Canada established the Hero Program to celebrate Clubs for their support. Clubs are recognized in the Hero Program based on their total annual giving throughout the year. There are three Hero levels: Bronze ($1,200+), Silver ($3,600+) and Gold ($6,000+).
Last year there were 135 Hero Clubs across Canada, with an incredible 9 of those being Gold Heroes!
Honouring the legacy of Bob and Joyce Perks
This winter, ShelterBox Canada is honoured to partner with the Rotary Club of Simcoe to launch the Perks’ Memorial Matching Campaign.
Thanks to a generous bequest from siblings Bob and Joyce Perks, longtime Rotary and community leaders, all Rotary Club donations made between January 1st and March 31st will be matched up to $45,000.
The Perks’ legacy of compassion and service will now help families rebuild and recover after disaster and conflict around the world.
Bob served the Rotary Club of Simcoe for more than 33 years and was deeply passionate about international service, supporting ShelterBox Canada’s mission to provide shelter after disaster. Joyce was known for her wit, humour, and love of animals, and was woven into the fabric of her community through friendship and service. Together, they shared a commitment to helping others both locally and globally. Their final wish was to ensure their legacy supported an international cause, and they entrusted the Rotary Club of Simcoe to choose the recipient. We are deeply grateful they chose ShelterBox Canada.
Make your Rotary Club Donation today
5. The Rotary theme for this year is ‘Unite for Good’.
Supporting access to shelter after disaster reflects the 2026 Rotary theme Unite for Good, bringing people together through collaboration and shared purpose. By working alongside partners, this approach supports recovery and stability for communities affected by crisis.
By supplying shelter aid to people left with nothing after disaster or conflict, we help restore hope.
On World Rotary Day, we thank Rotary members across the world who have helped our work. You have been a key part of the ShelterBox story, and we look forward to keep working with you in the future.
If you’d like to learn more about our work with Rotary, and how you can get involved, click here.
The heading image captures ShelterBox’s CEO, Sanj Srikanthan with Rotary International Trustee and Past Rotary International President, Gordon McInally at the Rotary International Assembly.
