Together we make a difference

The world over, disasters deprive families of their homes and their possessions. The Rotary LifeBox helps those in need by providing basic provisions that we take for granted but are so desperately needed by those affected by earthquake, flood, drought and war. By buying a box you can make a difference to the lives of people in need the world over.

What is an LifeBox

The LifeBox is little more than a plastic crate, but with your help it can be filled with clothes, shoes, blankets, cookware, toiletries, baby care and essential tools. A filled box can provide essential supplies to the victims of natural and manmade disasters the world over.

LifeBox - New for 2007

The projects goal is to provide a ready stock of useful items for use in disaster areas in any part of the world. Filled boxes are stored in a warehouse ready for immediate despatch to the disaster area whenever required.

How did the LifeBox scheme start?

The idea was conceived in the then Rotary district 105 (now 1050) by the late Arthur Bowker, a founder member of the Manchester South club, a past president of the Dukinfield and Stalybridge club, a member at that time of the Ashton-under Lyne club and a member of the District International committee.

Originally called Emergency Box, a pilot scheme was carried out by a few selected clubs in the district and met with favourable reports. It was taken to the District Assembly in 1971 and then adopted by RIBI in 1972.

The original Emergency Box wooden crate

Over 26,000 boxes have been filled since the schemes inception and sent to more than 26 countries all over the world to help those people affected by all kinds of disasters such as earthquakes, mud slides, volcanic eruptions, floods, etc. These are people who have lost everything and need some very basic things to enable them to survive. Disasters don’t end when they go out on the news. People have to live with virtually nothing for months or years as their homes and roads, etc. get cleared then rebuilt.

The original contents list was drawn up with the help of ‘War on Want’, the Red Cross and various airline and freight handling staff to get the ideal list for a single box with limited volume. The contents list is upgraded regularly with the help of people who actually go out to the disaster areas.

The box itself has a variety of uses. It can be used to store food when emptied of its contents, or as a cot, a seat or a table. Other contents include kitchen equipment and tools as well as first aid and a few basic clothes and blankets.

The original plastic crate marked a transition from the wooden box

In 2005 the old wooden crate was replaced by a newer plastic crate. This was one of a number of changes that have been made to the scheme over the years. Meeting the needs of disaster victims has always been the primary concern and to meet this need the scheme is constantly evolving.