Montgomery County volunteer recognized by international disaster relief organization
Gwynedd Valley volunteer and Blue Bell Rotarian, Allan Syphers, has been recognized by international disaster relief organization, ShelterBox, for reaching a major fundraising milestone this year. Since joining the organization as a volunteer fund raiser in 2009, Syphers has raised more than $100,000 for disaster survivors worldwide.
and water filtration systems, among other tools to help families rebuild their lives after losing their homes and
possessions following a disaster such as earthquake, volcano, flood , hurricane, cyclone, tsunami or conflict.
Of the nearly 400 ShelterBox volunteer fund raisers, or ambassadors, Syphers is one of seven to reach this
milestone, earning a spot in the ShelterBox Hall of Fame. The funds raised through Syphers' efforts have
provided over 100 families with humanitarian aid during their greatest time of need.
Syphers, a graduate from Cornell University College of Architecture, Art and Planning, holds a seat on the
ShelterBox USA Ambassador Council. He is an active member of the Blue Bell Rotary Club and has been
recognized for his philanthropic efforts with a Presidential Service Award for the past two consecutive years.
"It is through the efforts of our hardworking volunteers, like Allan, that we continue to provide aid to families
during their greatest time of need," said ShelterBox USA president, Emily Sperling. "Our organization could not
exist without these ambassadors, who continue to rally support in their local communities, ultimately making a
difference in the lives of disaster survivors around the world ."
ShelterBox continues to respond to the Syrian refugee crisis, providing aid to families living in Iraq, Lebanon,
Jordan and Turkey, and to those who remain displaced within Syria's borders. The organization is currently
monitoring areas in the Philippines affected by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit earlier this week. ShelterBox
aid has recently been distributed to families who lost their homes due to flooding in Niger and Sudan,
earthquake in Pakistan and conflict in the Philippines. For the latest news, visit www.shelterboxusa.org/news.