Hillsborough Big Builders make a big impact in Romania
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| Homeowners Teodor and Marcela Sandra alongside the team from Hillsborough who helped build their new home including team leaders Arvon Williams and Simon Ballentine |
HILLSBOROUGH volunteers have returned home after helping to build ten desperately needed homes in Romania.
Almost 200 people from all over Northern Ireland took part in Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland's Big Build project, travelling to Beius in western Romania.
The Big Build ended on a high as the 10 homes were completed and families were presented a bible and their house keys at an emotional dedication service, attended by the volunteers who worked alongside the people who will live in the homes. Arvon Williams from the Hillsborough team said: '"It was really hard work but seeing the joy on the faces of the homeowners made it all worthwhile." Communities from across Northern Ireland made the Big Build possible — by supporting the team which includes church groups, companies and many individuals.
Peter Farquharson, Executive Director of HFHNI said: "The Big Build began as a way of celebrating our 15th anniversary, an opportunity to change the lives of 10 families in need forever and an expression of all that can be achieved when we put aside difference and work towards a common goal."
Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland has worked in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Romania since its international volunteer programme began. 27 teams have now travelled to Romania where more than 300 local volunteers have worked alongside families in need in building not just homes but hope for the future. More than a third of the total housing stock in Romania is in
the state of complete neglect and needing urgent repairs. In addition Romania faces the challenge of thousands of children orphaned under the previous communist regime. To find out more about Habitat's work visit www.habitatni.co.uk or call 90243686.
Ulster Star
23/10/2009
