Habitat for Humanity says 'thank you' on International Volunteer Day

Habitat for Humanity is saying a big 'thank you' to its 700 volunteers on International Volunteer Day today.

The Christian charity relies on volunteers to help low-income families around the world secure safe and decent homes.

Many of the volunteers take a hands-on role, helping in the construction of homes. Others help out by fundraising or becoming a voluntary board member.

One volunteer who spent November in Nepal said, “As a team we were from many walks of life and backgrounds, but what ultimately came to bind us together was a common delight in seeing the transformation of one family’s circumstances and prospects through the provision of clean, decent, weatherproof accommodation where they will now live with dignity and self-respect.

"Thirteen people gave their time unconditionally to the lady we helped and her family. We are all glad that we did.”

Thousands of people volunteer with the charity each year on building projects in 90 countries.

Volunteers have included high profile figures like former US President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, who were joined by 500 volunteers in Haiti to build houses for the families affected by the January 2010 earthquake. Together they built a hundred homes in the Santo community in Léogâne which was the epicentre of the tremor that ravaged the country.

Paul Butler, Volunteer Operations Manager, at Habitat for Humanity, said the charity relied on volunteers to achieve its vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

“Many of Habitat for Humanity building programmes could not survive without the hundreds of volunteers that mix cement, lay bricks, and hammer nails alongside low-income home partner families every year," he said.

"We want to thank them for their contribution. We also want to thank those that fundraise and volunteer at home.”