The Portage Rotary Club heard a report Tuesday about the impact some of its financial support is having to help aid in disaster relief around the world.

Shelterbox Canada Ambassador Lois Horton spoke at Tuesday's Rotary meeting, sharing details about Shelterboxes, small totes that help provide relief to the more than 65-million people displaced each year by natural disasters and war globally. She says the boxes contain everyday essentials such as tents, blankets, pots, pans and other necessities.

Horton says a British Naval man came up with the idea to create the totes in 2001, after noticing in his disaster relief work abroad that affected people weren't always receiving necessary relief.

"In many disasters you see them delivering food, but what you don't see is them delivering accommodation," Horton says. "...The intention is to provide them with shelter so their dignity is preserved."

Each box costs approximately $1,200, and Horton says the fundraising efforts of local clubs like Portage Rotary provide the support needed to ensure people get what they need in times of crisis.

"When families get a tent because they have no where else to live, then they have somewhere to look after their children," she says. "It's very important."

Horton adds Shelterboxes have been sent to over 100 countries and helped over a million people since they began being distributed.