THE international disaster relief charity, ShelterBox, is urgently appealing for volunteer ambassadors across the South West to help it support communities left without shelter after disaster. 

More people than ever are in urgent need of emergency shelter, and ShelterBox is growing to ensure it can support as many people as possible.

Volunteers play a critical role in supporting ShelterBox's mission and the charity is actively seeking more to join its global network of humanitarians. 

Community Volunteer Engagement Officer for ShelterBox, Jenn Sandiford said: ‘ShelterBox was founded by volunteers more than 20 years ago and volunteers still play a vital role in the work we do.

‘Without our ambassadors, we would not have the capacity and reach we have in amplifying the voices of people affected by disaster and conflict.

‘They are passionate, caring, and motivated people keen to make a difference.

‘They help us raise awareness and vital funds for our work and the people we support.’

Cathy Ryan, who has been volunteering for ShelterBox for almost two years, said: ‘I heard one phrase - “no one without shelter after disaster” - it literally stopped me in my tracks.

‘As an aim, it’s beautiful, simple and direct.

‘I thought then, these were the sort of people I want to volunteer with, that was years ago, and I promised myself when I had more time, I’d track them down, so here I am.’

The charity is currently supporting displaced people across the world, including in Malawi where thousands of people have been displaced by severe flooding in a cycle of disaster that is devastating the country.

Volunteering with ShelterBox is completely flexible around people’s skills and time commitments. However volunteers contribute their time and energy, each volunteer plays a crucial role in building a resilient future for communities in need.

Since it was founded in 2000, ShelterBox has supported more than 2.5 million people across around 100 countries with different combinations of emergency shelter, support, and essential household items. 

To join ShelterBox's team of dedicated volunteers, interested individuals can visit the ShelterBox website or contact Jenn Sandiford on [email protected].