Have you found the “Heart of the Kootenay” while driving north on Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park? It’s a natural wonder located 20 to 25 kms past Radium Hot Springs.
There is another Heart of the Kootenay and that is the increasing support received by ShelterBox at the Kimberley Community Fall Fair.
This year a record $2,861 was donated for Syrian refugees at the Fair, an increase of $1,527 over 2013 donations. One donation came from a single family who purchased an entire box for $1,200 – a Fall Fair first! The funds collected were augmented by the ongoing support of Kimberley residents through the Kootenay Savings Credit Union and, as a result, Kimberley Rotary was able to purchase a total of three ShelterBoxes for the Syrian refugees.
World-wide media coverage has made us all aware of the desperate need for shelter by families who have lost everything. For the foreseeable future, Kimberley Rotary will continue to direct local donations to the Syrian refugees. The heart of our community continues to amaze. You have now deployed a total of 123 ShelterBoxes around the world since the first ShelterBox appeared at the Kimberley Community Fall Fair in 2008. On behalf of all the disaster victims we extend a most sincere thank you.
A ShelterBox costs $1,200 which includes all transportation costs to anywhere in the world. Donations are gratefully accepted online at shelterboxcanada.org, at the Kootenay Savings Credit Union (cheques payable to Kimberley Rotary Club) or you can also donate to a ShelterBox jar at Grubstake Pizza. If you have any questions, please contact Graham Mann at 250-427-5057 or email gmann@shelterboxvolunteer.org.