Thursday, January 13, 2005

Habitat for Humanity - Tsunami Response

Habitat for Humanity's Tsunami Response

Habitat for Humanity has announced a two-year plan to rebuild homes for up to 25,000 families in a first phase reconstruction efforts in the tsunami-affected countries of India, Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

The 2-year plan will require a commitment of US$25 million over the next two years. Your donations are urgently needed. Habitat for Humanity Singapore would like to seek your support in helping the tsunami victims move out of the overcrowded, diseased and crime-infested camps and other temporary shelters into transitional housing.

What you can do for reconstruction work:

1. Make a cheque donation to "Habitat for Humanity Singapore" to support the 2-year reconstruction efforts. Please indicate 'Tsunami Reconstruction Fund' at the back of the cheque.

All cheques can be sent to:
Habitat for Humanity Singapore
12 Prince Edward Road
#04-12 Podium B
Bestway Building
Singapore 079212

2. We will be sending out more updates in future emails on volunteering opportunities in the Tsunami affected areas. If you are not currently in our database and would like to receive the updates, please sign up at www.habitat.org.sg

For enquiries, please call Tel: 6224 1882

Dear Terence Yuen

Phuket Tsunami - Living to Tell the Tale (by Lau Kai Ming)

It went as fast as it came, and it hit as silent and quick as a spider. Moments ago, I had scrambled to the second storey of the beach-front villa, dragging along my belongings in one hand and my sister in the other, with my parents and my other sister following behind. We had narrowly escaped the rapidly rising water level that pummeled through everything in its way that wasn’t as strong as it was. As the murky water receded, it revealed upturned soil, uprooted plants and parts of bridges, huts and even a suit case. The serene and tranquil hotel resort had been transformed into an un-kept abandoned construction site. I didn’t dare imagine the level of destruction on the rest of Phuket.

When we had safely landed in Changi Airport on the same evening, it hit me - I was there and I survived to tell the tale of fearsome tsunami that struck half a dozen countries in the Bay of Bengal. Thousands and thousands of others didn’t. Millions more have lost sons, daughters, cousins, and best friends. Entire villages reduced to rubble, and homes swept away. People are left without fresh water to drink, and in need of shelter to sleep, and to live in.

From my experiences building houses in Batam and Kuching with Habitat for Humanity, I know that the simple yet obscure act of total strangers building homes for those in need of one can be a powerful demonstration of pure kindness. In this case, the victims of the tsunami that hit on Boxing Day 2004 are in need to basic shelter, and Habitat’s raison d’etre is to build homes for those who need a decent one. It couldn’t be anymore relevant. Your help and support is needed to build houses for those who have lost theirs. It never too late.

Build a Home. Build Hope.

"If it ought to be, it's gotta start with me." - anonymous

Kai Ming is a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity who has been on a building trips to Kuching and Batam. Currently helping the Habitat Singapore office with adminstrative work pertaining to the Tsunami Reconstruction efforts.



No comments: