Notes from the Field

Without access to electricity or other clean lighting options, health providers in these areas struggle to provide life-saving care after dark. Particularly in rural areas, LuminAID solar lighting can relieve the financial burden associated with fuel-based light sources, and allow these health clinics to focus precious funds on serving patients. 

ShelterBox brought LuminAID solar lights to Dominica and other Caribbean Islands where power was knocked out by Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Irma. Safe light and shelter are helping these communities recover from the devastating storms.

As one of the outer islands of the Caribbean, the island of Dominica was right within the path of destruction of Hurricane Maria this year. 95% of buildings on the island were damaged or destroyed, leaving electricity scarce and families struggling to rebuild. Randy Hannan, Managing Director of the Trafalgar Relief and Reconstruction Fund, shares how safe and reliable light makes a difference in a community struggling to rebuild:

LuminAID is back to light up Shark Tank, just in time for the holidays! The new episode features LuminAID's partnership with Convoy of Hope to bring safe solar light and charging to families left without power in Puerto Rico, after a devastating hurricane season.

Much of Puerto Rico is still without power one month after Hurricane Maria, and families are still struggling to recover without electricity. LuminAID co-founders Anna and Andrea decided to fly to Puerto Rico with hundreds of solar phone charger and solar lights in tow. They distributed aid with humanitarian partner Convoy of Hope, and saw the impact of that access to solar is having for families in Puerto Rico. 

Last November, LuminAID partnered with the Himalayan Stove Project, a US Based humanitarian and philanthropic program, to help them distribute lights in Nepal after the earthquake. This is their story.

The latest installment in our Notes from the Field series comes from Kristen Ragazzo, an elementary school teacher who's lifelong dream has been to travel to Nepal. After last year's devastating earthquake, Kristen and her husband coordinated a trip to distribute LuminAID lights to communities that are still in need and shares the impact of the lights below: 

On March 11, 2011, the country of Japan experienced one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded. By total coincidence, Anna and Andrea were on a school trip in Tokyo at the time. By the end of the trip, the were inspired to further develop what would become the LuminAID.