Scouts lend a hand in Brazil

International Scouts lend a hand to ShelterBox Response team in flood-hit Brazil...

In June 2010 massive flooding in the Pernambuco and Alagoas regions of Brazil left tens of thousands of families homeless.

ShelterBox was one of the only international aid agencies to respond to the crisis sending 1060 boxes packed with survival equipment to the region.

The charity was still working in Brazil in August when two ShelterBox Response Team members, Chris Brown and Laura Jepson were deployed to distribute further boxes of aid. Between them they oversaw the setting up of over 400 tents across 5 different sites and 2 Brazilian States. They were helped by teams of local volunteers.

The two were absolutely delighted to discover that some of these were members of the local Scout group.

‘The local government asked us to set up more tents to extend a site so we set to work alongside local volunteers and workers – 2 of whom we later found out were Scouts,’ said Laura.

‘They were so inspiring to be around. Despite the heat and tough conditions they worked hard to put up tents. It was a pleasure working with them and the stories they told us really touched our hearts.’

Chaingui Rafael da Silva, a member of the 35° GEAZ Amaro Zeferino Scout Group, was one of the Scouts who worked with Laura to set up 33 ShelterBox tents on the site in Palmares. He also acted a translator.

‘I joined my Scout Group about 2 months ago, right after the flooding,’ he said. ‘I saw the necessity to join in with something really good to help those who lost almost everything,’ said Chaingui.

‘Being a scout means partnership, adventurous spirit, solidarity, obedience and a sense of helping others. When you feel this wish inside your heart and conscience, be sure: you can be a good Scout member.

‘My first reaction after I'd put up the first tent with my group was one of admiration. The tent is amazingly comfortable for a family and the box contains a useful set of items for the entire family until the moment they receive a new home.’

Alongside the thousands of homes that were destroyed. The flooding also washed away the Scout Centre leaving just the metal gates standing in front of the building.

‘This was a hard experience for us to see our place all broken and fallen to the ground but life is getting back to normal, slowly, of course.

‘All the 35° GEAZ Amaro Zeferino Scout Group are grateful to ShelterBox. Although no one will forget what happened something good is still with us: Hope.’

James Webb, Fundraising Officer at ShelterBox, said: ‘It’s fantastic to hear another story of Scouts helping our volunteers out on the ground. It really reaffirms why the official partnership between Scouts and ShelterBox is so strong and relevant. Our thoughts go out to Chaingue and his Scout Group and we wish them the best of luck in the future.’