Lethbridge resident and long-time Rotarian Elsa Cade blogs on the topic of science education on a website that primarily deals with US-based political issues.

She put a challenge out to her thousands of fellow bloggers to support Shelterbox International, an organization that provides emergency supplies for up to 10 people in a convenient carrying container. Each Shelterbox costs about $1,000 (US).

The bloggers responded in a big way raising more than $80,000 in less than a week, or enough to supply approximately 80 ShelterBoxes, which can house up to 800 people.

Cade was amazed at the response and has been glued to her computer most of the week referring requests and connecting with others who are interested in supporting the Shelterbox concept.

"When a disaster such as an earthquake strikes, people may survive but they lack even the most basic things like shelter and common cooking supplies," Cade said.

"The Shelterbox is an ideal item to send to Haiti because any buildings left standing may not be safe to live in. There may be some food aid, but nothing to cook it in. This program provides at least a temporary place for people to call home while they rebuild their lives."

The Shelterbox program is supported by the three Rotary groups in Lethbridge by The Sunrise Rotary Club, the Lethridge East (Downtown) Rotary Club, and the newest group, the Urban Spirits Rotary Club.

While the bulk of Cade's efforts generated donations to the United States website, Shelterbox has a Canadian site (http://www.shelterbox.ca/) where people can donate and learn more about the organization's latest efforts to deliver as many Shelterboxes as possible to Haiti.