Despite several rounds of remote learning and lockdowns across the state, a spirit of kindness and social justice is still present within the St Joseph’s College, Echuca community.

During the month of September, students, families, and staff raised an outstanding $2,490 to support ShelterBox.

As part of this year’s Season of Creation, an ecumenical celebration for Christian churches around the world, St Joseph’s chose to focus on ensuring that there was ‘a home for all’.

According to St Joseph’s Youth Ministry Leader, Matthew Scott, following the biblical story of Abraham and Sarah opening their tent to provide hospitality for strangers, the school partnered with Rotary International’s ShelterBox program to raise funds for a ShelterBox.

“ShelterBoxes are designed to help people who have lost everything. They are filled with emergency shelter and other essential items to help support people as they rebuild their lives,” Mr Scott said.

“As one of those things you hope never needs to be used, the ShelterBox will await its destination in a warehouse around the globe, until such time that it is dispatched by volunteers to a location where a natural disaster, such as a flood or earthquake might have occurred.

“Inside the ShelterBox there are items to make living and surviving that little bit easier for disaster- impacted survivors. These include a strong, weatherproof family-sized tent, tablets for purifying water, solar powered lights, cooking equipment and firelighters, blankets, as well as colouring and other activities to keep children occupied.

“Each box costs $1000, which includes all the contents and freight to where it is needed.

“Within the first few days of online donations being accepted, the St Joseph’s community had already raised enough for one ShelterBox and was well on the way to donating a second box to the program.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated and honoured to know the money we raised will offer dignity and comfort to people in their hour of need.”

A demonstration ShelterBox is currently on display within the school, for people to come and see what was bought with their donation.

For more information on the ShelterBox program or to donate, visit www.shelterboxaustralia.org.au
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