ShelterBox providing those impacted by Ukraine conflict with emergency shelter and supplies

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, a charity is helping provide emergency shelter and supplies to those on the ground impacted by the conflict.

ShelterBox is an organization that provides customized emergency shelters and supplies to help those impacted by disaster or conflict self-recover.

According to ShelterBox Canada Executive Director Stephanie Christensen, the team on the ground in Poland is currently in its assessment stage.

“Assessments are so important to make sure that we understand exactly what people need, not just what we think that they need, we need to talk to people on the ground,” she told the Sam Laprade Show on Tuesday, March 8.

Once the assessment stage is completed, aid which is currently stored in Europe will start to be distributed.

Christensen adds it is also important ShelterBox communicates with other humanitarian organizations on the ground, so they are all working in different areas to ensure those who are vulnerable can be supported.

“We're very well trained to prioritize the most vulnerable and make sure that the families need the aid the most are going to get it,” she said. “I think the international community just needs to keep working together to do as much as possible because this is going to be a long-term crisis.”

A donation of $100 to ShelterBox will allow the organization to provide families with thermal blankets, solar lights, and a roll-up mattress. Christensen adds the average cost for a family is $500, but every donation makes a difference.

You can listen to the full conversation with Christensen on the Sam Laprade Show below: