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MEDIA RELEASE
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ISSUES EMERGENCY APPEAL TO AID TSUNAMI VICTIMS REBUILD THEIR COMMUNITIES January 7, 2005, Waterloo, Ontario: Habitat for Humanity Canadahas joined Habitat for Humanity International in mounting a response to the enormous housing crisis created by the recent tsunami disaster which has killed over 160,000 people and displaced over 1 million families from their homes throughout southern Asia and eastern Africa. In making this appeal David Hughes, President and CEO said: “We mourn these deaths and pray for the survivors, and we are now leading a call to action which is focused on providing shelter and housing for those affected by this catastrophe.” All across the country Canadians have been contacting Habitat for Humanity asking how they can assist the victims of the tsunami crisis, offering support which ranges from financial assistance to volunteering to work in the region to re-build homes.
In a communiqué to Habitat for Humanity Canada's 65 affiliates and their 30,000 volunteers, Hughes said: "I believe that there will indeed be a time in the near future when we will be called upon to send volunteer teams to help with reconstruction efforts and to assist in distributing much-needed supplies. This is not that time. The UN, the federal government and the many agencies working within the effected area have all advised that sending such personnel at this time is dangerous and counter-productive to their efforts." To prepare for the day when teams will be needed on-site, the organization is building a database of volunteers interested in working in the crisis zone.
In the meantime the organization has been advised by their international headquarters that the best support they can provide is in the form of financial contributions which will be used to fund the long-term reconstruction of homes and communities affected by the tsunami crisis. Donors visiting the organization's website can contribute to this effort by designating their support towards the "Tsunami Response Fund".
Habitat for Humanity, through its International Disaster Response department, has deployed staff to southern Asia to join other field staff from their Asia/Pacific office, to assess the situation and to develop short-term and long-term action plans. Their first priority will be to provide emergency shelter and support for families living in Habitat for Humanity homes and to work in co-operation with other agencies to provide temporary shelter for others affected by the crisis. These efforts will be followed by a long-term program to rebuild homes and communities in the region. The scale and scope of these efforts will not be known until local assessments are completed, and will be dependent upon donations raised through this appeal
Although early in its campaign, Habitat for Humanity Canada is moved by the support which is coming from corporations and individuals alike. Royal LePage launched an appeal to its 600 brokers and 11,000 agents early January 6, and surpassed its $5,000 goal within the first six hours.
"We chose to partner with Habitat for Humanity because of the natural alignment with our business, which is to help families find homes," said Phil Soper, President and CEO of Royal LePage Real Estate Services. "Thousands of Royal LePage realtors from across Canada were looking for a way to help people who no longer have what we as Canadians take for granted.basic shelter."
Amanda Klyn, Miss Teen Canada International 2005, a first year scholarship student at the University of Windsor, has joined with HFH Canada to encourage Canadian youth to become involved. "As I watched the villages being washed away with the force of the water, and the survivors walking the beaches hoping to find a loved one, I felt myself grow angry at the fact that I felt so helpless. I searched the internet for ways that I could be of some assistance, and I came across the Habitat for Humanity website." After being contacted by the Miss Teen Canada International organization, Habitat for Humanity has announced that the Miss Teen Canada International organization will be joining forces with the Habitat for Humanity organization in Canada and Internationally. "I will be bringing awareness to the organization and most importantly going out and personally helping those people in need, as Miss Teen Canada International 2005." Amanda will be addressing young adult groups across Canada and hopes to join a volunteer team in southern Asia later this year.
Though specific damage details are not yet fully known, Habitat for Humanity has a presence or already works in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Malaysia and Bangladesh. "We are getting word back from staff there just how hard hit the area is," said Steve Weir, vice president of the Asia/Pacific office for Habitat for Humanity International. "The devastation is immense," he added. Weir was in Sri Lanka at the time of the disaster, and spent the next six days investigating and reporting conditions to HFH International before returning to his office to begin the rebuilding planning process. In Sri Lanka alone, it is estimated 20% of the existing Habitat homes have been damaged or destroyed, and the living conditions of the 2,000 families already on the HFH Sri Lanka waiting list have gone from deplorable to non-existent in many cases.
Habitat for Humanity recognized the need to help victims of disaster rebuild their lives. In support of this, United States President George W. Bush has named Habitat for Humanity as an approved tsunami aid agency, which those wanting to make donations or other contributions may contact. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has also endorsed Habitat, calling it his charity of choice.
SUPPORT
By international agreement, Canadians wishing to support Habitat for Humanity's international fundraising appeal may do so by making donations through Habitat for Humanity Canada, and have their donations recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency.
To contribute, please visit HFH Canada’s web site, www.habitat.ca and its “To Donate” web page www.habitat.ca/donate.php
$100 to $300 will purchase the needed supplies to repair one of the estimated 20% of existing Habitat homes damaged in the region. $2,000($1,500US) buys all of the materials needed to build a new home; volunteers do the rest. Individuals wishing to make donations by credit card by telephone may do so by calling HFH Canada at 1-800-667-5137, extensions 242, 230, 229 or 257. Donations by cheque, made payable to HFH Canada Tsunami Fund, should be mailed to: 40 Albert Street Waterloo Ontario N2L 3S2
Donors who are responding to their employer's Tsunami Response Appeal on behalf of HFH Canada should identify the name of their employer when making the donation.
Organizations and corporations wishing to financially support HFHC's fundraising efforts are urged to contact David Butler, Acting VP Marketing and Development, at dbutler@habitat.ca or 800-667-3157 ext 251.
Groups representing community organizations and corporations wishing to volunteer and financially support complete teams may contact Terry Petkau, VP Building & Special Projects about their interest, availability, and the relevant skills and experience that can be offered. Terry can be reached at tpetkau@habitat.ca or at (800) 667-5137 ext. 238. David Hughes: "It is at times such as this that Habitat for Humanity's worldwide network demonstrates its strength and commitment to ensuring that everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Whether it is in support of our partner families here in Canada or those effected by the recent events around the world, your energy, commitment and compassion for our mission is appreciated." Habitat for Humanity Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the benefits of homeownership to low-income families by building and renovating simple, decent and affordable homes with the assistance of volunteers and community partnerships. This national association was founded in 1985 and today consists of 65 member affiliates throughout Canada who are proud to be a part of an international movement that operates in 100 countries and has built over 180,000 homes for approximately one million people around the world Media contacts: |
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