Shelter Box is a Rotary affiliated group, adopted in April 2000 by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in Cornwall, England. Shelter Box provides emergency shelter and tools in times of dramatic need such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and tornados. 
How much do we know about the Global Grants our Clubs sponsor? True, we hear about the proposed project when funds are sought and maybe even hear about the awarding of a Global Grant, but is that enough? Unless we’re actively involved in the project or the fundraising, it’s likely that our understanding is somewhat limited. In discussions with Emma Bodwell, Chair of the District’s International Service Committee (DISC), she expressed concern that our international work is often very low key. In an attempt to increase our understanding, I’ll attempt to highlight one of our recent Global Grants here.
The Otto and Fran Walter Foundation, based in Boothbay Harbor, ME, has pledged $15.5 million to The Rotary Foundation to start a Rotary Peace Center in the Middle East or North Africa. It’s long been a stated desire of many Rotarians to establish a peace center in this region. The new center hopes to open in 2026 and will be named the Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center.
