Habitat News
Hope for the Future
The end of this month marks the first anniversary of the Samoan
tsunami. This Pacific tragedy, literally on our own doorstep, gave
rise to an outpouring of grief and need on a scale seldom seen in
the Pacific. Despite the sheer size of the destruction, New
Zealand’s resolve and response to help the people of Samoa
was of a magnitude that few could have anticipated.
Through the blood, sweat and tears of hundreds of individual
donors, corporate donors, and more than 600 volunteers, our charity
was able to harness this Kiwi goodwill and generosity and lead the
world’s charge in addressing the very practical needs of
families in desperate need of shelter and a helping hand.
Habitat’s generous supporters have helped build safe and
secure homes for almost 100 of the worst affected families. And
while many volunteers had the intention of simply going to bless
the people of Samoa by simply participating in the build, they came
home feeling so blessed themselves.
While there is good cause to celebrate our tremendous success in
Samoa, there is clear evidence and growing demand for Habitat New
Zealand’s presence and skills in many Pacific nations. In the
space of just one year, tsunami aside, both Fiji and the Cook
Islands felt the full force of Cyclones Tomas and Pat. Our focus
shifts to Fiji this month, where the need for families to move into
a safe and decent place to live is still great. Habitat for
Humanity New Zealand is partnering with Habitat for Humanity Fiji
to build 45 houses in North Western Fiji where Tomas stripped
families of what little they had already.
Donations raised from this year’s Annual Appeal will be used
to help mobilise people and resources from Samoa and New Zealand to
Fiji including the transportation of containers and a 4WD ute from
Samoa to the remote build area in Vanua Levu. It is estimated that
$10,000 in donations will also need to be raised to supply power,
purchase a shower/toilet/kitchenette unit, a concrete mixer, and
other essential build equipment. Please support Habitat’s
Annual Appeal today and help Habitat’s increasing work both
here and overseas.
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