The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen and Point Roberts is asking the public to think about the ShelterBox organization when donating funds to earthquake relief efforts in Japan.

ShelterBox provides supplies and equipment to disaster areas around the world in a convenient package.

Tsawwassen's Jen Kormendy is a ShelterBox response team member who has seen first-hand how the big green plastic ShelterBox tubs鈥攑acked with all the items that can set up a temporary household, including a tent that can sleep up to 10鈥攃an make a big difference.

Since 2009 she has been on three assignments: the Philippines in October 2009, and Mexico and Guatemala in 2010.

"Often at these times, people want to help but don't know where to direct their charitable dollars," Kormendy said. "ShelterBox does such a great job getting the aid quickly and effectively to the people most in need."

To donate the ShelterBox, which is supported worldwide by Rotary members, visit .

"It costs $1,000 to sponsor an individual box. Smaller donations are happily accepted as well," Kormendy says. "If you consider that families have been known to live in ShelterBox tents for over a year, it costs less than $3 a day to provide a family with shelter, warmth and dignity, and help them rebuild after losing everything."

Due to work and family commitments, Kormendy said she will not be able to be deployed to Japan until May.

However, a member of ShelterBox Canada's Board of Directors is currently there.

The Canadian Red Cross is also accepting donations at redcross.ca to assist with relief efforts.