World Champion Kiwi cyclist Alison Shanks becomes a ShelterBox Ambassador as the countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Games begins.

World Champion cyclist and Olympic hopeful Alison Shanks is the new Ambassador for ShelterBox New Zealand, the International Disaster Relief Charity. Recently crowned World Champion for the 3000 metre individual pursuit in Melbourne, Alison says she looks forward to working with the ShelterBox New Zealand team.

"Every year thousands of families across the world lose everything when a disaster strikes, " she says.

"Being a ShelterBox Ambassador and spokesperson for this wonderful organisation is a significant responsibility and I'm proud to work alongside the ShelterBox New Zealand team and help ensure that vulnerable families can continue to live in dignity and safety."

Fraser Ellis, Chairman of ShelterBox New Zealand says: "All of the ShelterBox team are thrilled and excited that Alison has agreed to support the charity. The awareness she brings will help us generate vital funds, enabling us to respond to future disasters. I am confident that Alison will be influential in the continued growth of the charity. She is an extremely talented and outstanding athlete and we take this opportunity to wish her well in the forthcoming Olympics."