We have helped give
3
6
3
families their own homes in NZ
Our Volunteers
Habitat for Humanity is extremely grateful to all of our volunteers who give their time - whether it be on local buildings sites, fundraising, working in our local affiliates or travelling overseas on a Global Village trip. We have volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working with us to help build simple decent homes with families in need.
Heesuk Byun
Age: 18
Why did you become a Habitat volunteer?
Being able to actually participate in building houses was what appealed to me.
How are you involved with Habitat?
I am the regional founder of the AIC Campus Chapter. I found out that campus chapters are very popular in other parts of the world, especially America, so I wanted to initiate this worthy club in my school. Auckland International College puts a lot of emphasis on helping others and giving back to the community. I believed starting a campus chapter would be a great way to help those in need and also have a great time. I gathered together a group of friends who shared my passion to reduce poverty housing in our world and requested approval from the Asia and Pacific Headquarters of HFH. Since AIC Campus Chapter was officially registered by HFH, I have been leading the club. We have been very involved with fundraising for HFH and participated in the Global Village programme in the Philippines in July.
During the GV trip to the Phillippines, what surprised you the most and how were your preconceptions challenged?
Participating in the Global Village programme in the Philippines was an awesome and unique experience. I have realised how serious global poverty housing actually is. I have also realised how fortunate I am to be on the helping side.
In my life, I have never seen anything like the extreme poverty I witnessed in the Philippines. Yet it was amazing to see how lively and cheerful the people in St Dominic Village (our working site) were, even without luxuries that I usually take for granted. It made me think that life is really not about how economically well off you are or how comfortably you live. It is about enjoying your life no matter what and smiling every day.
When I first arrived in the Philippines, a nun (a board member of the Philippines HFH) told me “You are not here to build houses, you are here to build homes”. At the beginning, I did not realise what this meant. However, when I was leaving the village and saw children of the village running after our jeepney and crying “Please remember us,” I realised what building a home actually meant.
Global Village trip has truly been a life-changing experience that I will forever cherish.
What do you love most about the homes you grew up in?
In Korea – family and friends that I grew up with. In New Zealand – new friends and fish & chips.
What volunteer work have you enjoyed the most?
Digging septic tanks in the Philippines. To make one tank, we had to remove 2m x 2m x 1.6m of dirt out of solid ground. We dug four septic tanks in the Philippines – it was the most challenging task.
Do you have any special skills related to building a house?
Shovelling and digging!
What’s your favourite thing to do on a weekend?
Playing soccer and watching sports.
Favourite place in the world?
New Zealand.