Ten Go Camping - In A ShelterBox !

20.06.2011

In a bid to raise awareness - and funds - for international disaster relief charity ShelterBox, 10 of Bell Pottinger's brightest and best are to spend a night under the stars with only one ShelterBox between them.shelterbox02

So, what is a ShelterBox ?

ShelterBox is a UK-based charity which provides emergency shelter to those living through the aftermath of natural or man-made disasters anywhere in the world. The 'box' itself includes a 10-man (or in this case 10-woman) tent and essential kit such as pots, pans, basic tools, stove and cooking utensils. These life-saving survival kits are delivered to areas hit by earthquake, tsunami, war or famine to provide an immediate shelter and temporary respite for families rendered homeless and suffering the most extraordinary hardship.

The Pottinger Belles are doing their bit as part of a fund-raising challenge laid down by Managing Director Chris Warham to celebrate the company's 20th anniversary. The task is to raise £10,000 in order to buy 20 of these extraordinary ShelterBoxes - one for each year of the company's existence.

Commenting on the camping trip, 'den mother' Deborah Garritty said: "We're a bit concerned about actually getting the tent up as most of us have never camped before - and we're not allowed to practice putting up the tent before we arrive on site. However, we are determined to show that even PRs can survive without hair-dryers, straighteners and other such luxuries for just one night! We hope that we will be able to buy a number of boxes as a result of the trip and give something tangible back to those less fortunate than ourselves."

Originally founded as Insight Marketing & Communications back in 1991, the entire company has thrown its weight behind the campaign. Other fund-raising activities throughout the year include a number of sky-dives, beauty salon, tuck shop, DVD rental service, a charity football match, bag-packing at local supermarkets and a sausage sizzle. Managing Director Chris Warham has also volunteered for training to become a ShelterBox Response Team member to take part in future deployments following disasters worldwide.

The camping challenge is set to take place on the summer solstice, June 21st. Anyone wishing to support the fund-raising campaign will find further information at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/TenGoCamping

ENDS

Pictured: The Pottinger Belles prepare for their 'Ten Go Camping' ShelterBox challenge

Photography by Phil Tragen