information from the West Seattle Rotary Club

As National Volunteer Week, April 6-12, approaches, Reis Pearson, a member of the Rotary Club of West Seattle of Rotary District 5030, has been recognized by President Obama and humanitarian organization, ShelterBox USA with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her efforts in 2013 to assist disaster survivors.
When disasters like Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and the Syrian refugee crisis strike, many want to help. Pearson took action for ShelterBox, an international disaster relief organization that delivers emergency tented shelter and other lifesaving supplies to survivors of disasters and other humanitarian crises.

Through Pearson’s efforts of raising awareness and funds for ShelterBox, the organization was able to respond to more than 25 disasters in 19 countries last year, providing families with disaster relief tents, cook stoves, water filters, blankets, mosquito nets, children’s packs and other essential equipment. In one of the longest responses in ShelterBox history, ShelterBox has sent aid to support over 5,000 families affected by the Syrian crisis in Syria, Iraqi Kurdistan, Lebanon and Jordan. Already in country, ShelterBox was able to respond immediately when Typhoon Haiyan hit and have distributed shelters and other supplies to help 5,900 families to date.

“I am incredibly honored to work alongside our volunteers, including Reis,” said Emily Sperling, president of ShelterBox USA. “It is through their continuous efforts that we are able to bring shelter, warmth and dignity to so many families displaced by disaster around the globe.”

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a special recognition presented on behalf of President Barack Obama. The award is part of a national recognition program created in 2003 through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation for individuals of all ages who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer activities.

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and has grown exponentially each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week. This year marks the 40th anniversary of National Volunteer Week, demonstrating the enduring importance of recognizing our country’s volunteers for their vital contributions.

About ShelterBox USA
ShelterBox is an international, nonprofit organization that provides humanitarian relief in the form of equipment and materials that bring shelter, warmth and dignity to people affected by natural disasters and other humanitarian crises. Since 2000, the organization has delivered boxes of aid and supplies such as tents, water filters, stoves, blankets and other tools to help families survive and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of more than 230 disasters in over 90 countries worldwide. Donations to ShelterBox USA can be made at www.shelterboxusa.org, by calling (941) 907-6036 or via text message by sending SHELTER to 20222 for a one-time $10 donation.