The trip of a lifetime

The Habitat for Humanity team are on the lookout for Nelsonians who want to have an experience to remember.
They are organising a team of 45 volunteers for a trip to Cambodia, in November, to help build houses for vulnerable families near the capital city of Phnom Penh. Habitat for Humanity help to build new homes, and repair others, for those who have been struck by disaster.
Director Rob Silcock says, “you get this amazing sense of camaraderie with the people you are working with and you have that sense of belonging with people you’ve gone with and who you’ve built for.” He says there are two main issues for residents in Cambodia; weather, the extreme dry and then the monsoons, and security. “The biggest difference between us and the people in these villages is that we have advocates here, we have services available for pretty much everything. These people have no one, no one to turn to. It is so corrupt over there, so they just give up, no one cares. It’s really quite sad. These are people with a real need”
A retired builder, Rob first went over to Cambodia in 2009, and has been part of two major builds for Habitat for Humanity. “It is just something that we can do to help. I’d like to see more Richmond families be a part of it.” He says everyone gets stuck in, the volunteers, the families and all their helpers.
The trip costs $4600, which includes flights, accommodation and building materials for the week-long build. There is also an option to join on a tour around Cambodia for the second week. Rob says he knows the price can put people off, so is keen to hear from anyone who is interested but might not be able to afford it, as there may be some options available.
For more information contact nelson@habitat.org.nz