C&W Communications, a Liberty Global company, announced yesterday that ShelterBox and Rotary International will be partnering with the newly formed Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation to execute immediate relief and recovery activities in the countries affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

ShelterBox, an international disaster relief charity specialising in providing emergency shelter for vulnerable families who have lost everything after natural disasters and conflicts, and Rotary International, a global network of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities across the globe, will use the foundation’s funding to continue and accelerate efforts to improve conditions on the ground in impacted territories.

According to a release from the company, the partnerships follow the recent announcement of C&W to establish a regional foundation with initial funding of US$500,000 to focus on urgent humanitarian relief and eventually broader recovery efforts in Anguilla, Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Speaking on the new alliance, Chris Warham, chief executive of ShelterBox, said: “At ShelterBox, we are impatient to help the most vulnerable families who have lost everything in the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Our partnership with Cable & Wireless will play a vital role in ensuring that we can provide essential emergency shelter and tools to the worst-affected communities, giving families the hope and power to recover and begin the journey of rebuilding their lives.”

Among the specially sourced equipment packed into its distinctive green boxes, ShelterBox also provides tents tested in extreme weather, solar lighting for when power is down, water filtration to combat disease, and items to keep families warm and able to cook together. The charity also distributes kits to help people repair their damaged properties, clear ground, and to waterproof roofs.

Rotary International is no stranger to the region as it spans 29 countries and 37 islands in the Caribbean. Through community projects, the organisation has helped to solve real problems with commitment and vision.

According to the release, Rotary members use their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. In this instance, Rotary is bringing its members together from across the Caribbean to help roll out programmes to address both immediate relief efforts as well as longer-term recovery initiatives.

“This partnership with Cable & Wireless is critical to the success of our various relief initiatives in the region. We are currently finalising relief plans to ensure immediate relief reaches those most in need; our primary focus will, however, be on sustainable, long-term recovery efforts through our Rotary Clubs and members in the communities affected following detailed needs assessments carried out by our local coordinator teams on the ground.

“We want to thank Cable & Wireless for its commitment and funding drive across the region,” said Jeremy Hurst, chairman of Rotary International District 7020’s Hurricane Relief and Recovery Committee.

Cable & Wireless, meanwhile, said it will continue to expand its partner network as the region’s rebuild and recovery needs are developed. Initial efforts will focus on support that gives people and communities that have lost homes, livelihoods and even family, the practical aid, hope, and support to help rebuild their lives. “Rebuilding and recovery from these devastating hurricanes are going to take a concerted and coordinated effort from all of those who can help,” said John Reid, CEO of Cable & Wireless. “We’re thrilled that ShelterBox and Rotary, with their expertise and passion for relief deployment, have joined as inaugural partners of the Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation. The aim of the foundation is to make an immediate difference in the lives of those affected by disaster, and with Shelter Box.