[1260International] Shelter Box News release - GAZA

[Rtn. Stephen Sypula]

From: Sally Grint
Sent: 28 January 2009 12:31
Subject: News release - GAZA

NEWS RELEASE
ShelterBox Delivers Aid to Gaza


28th January 2009

On Monday 26th January ShelterBox sent a representative to establish the 
need in Gaza for emergency shelter for the estimated 50,000 Gazans made 
homeless by the current conflict.
It is believed that at least 4,000 buildings have been destroyed and over 
20,000 are severely damaged. At the start of the week the UN upgraded the 
need for shelter, tools, blankets and sleeping bags from priority 4 to 
priority 1.

ShelterBox volunteers mobilized and have packed 200 boxes for immediate 
deployment to Gaza. In Beit Lahia, one of the worst hit areas north of Gaza 
City, there are only believed to be 100 tents available yet the need there 
alone is for 1,000. Information about the requirements for shelter on the 
ground is yet to come through for many other areas including more than half 
of Gaza City.
Early indications are that aid is being allowed into the area to meet the 
need of the displaced despite resumed hostilities on Tuesday following last 
week's ceasefires.

NB: The freight load will be collected from ShelterBox HQ tomorrow morning 
at 11:00 for all media filming please be at HQ for 09:30 Thurs 29th Jan.

For more information on ShelterBox, please call (01326) 569 782 or visit 
www.shelterbox.org
-Ends-

NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information, interviews and images please contact:
Sally Grint
T: (01326) 569 782 E: sallyg at shelterbox.org

ABOUT SHELTERBOX
ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity which provides aid 
for people affected by natural and other disasters. This aid is provided in 
the form of 'ShelterBoxes', which are tailored to each situation, but 
generally contain a 10-person tent, blankets, tools, water purification and 
cooking equipment. Each box is individually numbered and can be tracked by 
donors. ShelterBox has responded to more than 80 disasters to date, in 50 
different countries, including the Indian Ocean tsunami, Hurricane Katrina 
and Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar (Burma). All ShelterBox Response Team members 
are volunteers who have carried out extensive training with ShelterBox. The 
ShelterBox Trust is a UK registered charity (Charity Number 1096479). The 
charity's President is HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.