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- 500 low-income families supported across 5 countries
- More than US$1 million raised |
BANGKOK, May 13, 2012 - (ACN Newswire) - Yesterday, nearly 5,000 young Habitat for Humanity volunteers laid bricks, mixed cement and wielded hammers to help more than 500 families in China, India, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand in just one day.
"I am happy that my friends joined me for Habitat Youth Build. It is great to see young people in Thailand concerned about the well-being of others. So many people came along today to help" said T-Thawat Taifayongvichit, 18, from Ramkhamhaeng Advent International School.
Celebrities like Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, Indonesian singer Delon Thamrin, Filipino actor Matteo Guidicelli, and Thai pop singer and pianist Tor Saksit also took part today.
Today's simultaneous multi-country build event marked the culmination of a five-month long Habitat for Humanity Youth BUILD campaign to raise funds for, and awareness of, the dire housing situation in the Asia-Pacific region. Tens of thousands of young people used their social and digital networks to encourage people to donate and more than 2 million people were reached with the campaign's message.
"The sheer quantity of volunteers and supporters that came together today, united with the cause of tackling substandard housing, is remarkable. It is not too late to be a part of Habitat Youth BUILD - we need to continue raising awareness of the housing need in Asia-Pacific and to raise funds to help more low-income families. Plans are already being made for a bigger and better youth initiative next year," said Rick Hathaway, Asia-Pacific vice president for Habitat for Humanity International. "Having a decent home can transform lives, as it opens the doors to improved health, better performance in school, greater economic opportunities and increased community spirit."
In the Philippines and Thailand, volunteers helped people affected by recent disasters. In Thailand, volunteers built a community center for families affected by the severe flooding last year, which will serve as an evacuation center during disasters. In the Philippines, more than 200 homes were built for families who lost their houses after Typhoon Nesat and Severe Tropical Storm Washi.
Other Habitat for Humanity ambassadors like Filipino boxer turned politician Manny Pacquiao, Hong Kong actress and singer-songwriter Karen Mok, Bollywood actress Aditi Rao Hydari, Hong Kong entrepreneur Christie Wo, Indian American actor Omi Vaidya, Filipino theater actress Cris Villonco all lent their support in the run-up to Habitat's Youth BUILD to help raise awareness, encourage donations and recruit volunteers.
The United Nations estimates that more than 500 million people in the Asia-Pacific region live in slums, representing more than half of the world's slum dwellers. Habitat for Humanity's vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
To donate, visit habitatyouthbuild.org. Use #habitatyouthbuild to raise awareness online and visit HabitatYouthBuild on Facebook to see photos from today.
To receive photography or further information, please contact Heron Holloway, +65 9068 1892 / +66 879 710 174 / hholloway@habitat.org or Michele Soh, +65 9233 1544 / +66 832 484 631 / msoh@habitat.org
Habitat Youth BUILD events on 12 May 2012 took place in:
- Shuiweidong, Conghua district, Guangdong province, China
- Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore, India
- Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Manado, Indonesia
- Barangay Tanza, Navotas, and Calaanan, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
- Bang Ban, Ayutthaya, Thailand
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God's love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by building and improving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. An estimated 176,000 of these families are in the Asia-Pacific region, where Habitat has been active since 1983. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit habitat.org/asiapacific or follow us at facebook.com/habitat.
Contact:
Heron Holloway
+65 9068 1892 / +66 879 710 174
hholloway@habitat.org
Michele Soh
+65 9233 1544 / +66 832 484 631
msoh@habitat.org
Topic: Environment Issue
Source: Habitat for Humanity International
Sectors: CSR
https://www.acnnewswire.com
From the Asia Corporate News Network
Copyright © 2024 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Asia Corporate News Network.
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