MEDIA RELEASE PR37232
166 Homes Dedicated at Habitat for Humanity's Annual 'Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work
Project'
CHIANG MAI, Nov. 21 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
Plans under way for Oct. 2010 "Carter Work Project" build in the United
States to kick off on World Habitat Day
Nearly 3,000 Habitat for Humanity volunteers dedicated 166 homes in
Thailand, Vietnam, China, Laos and Cambodia. The houses were built or
repaired as part of Habitat's annual "Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work
Project," where the former U.S. president and first lady helped raise
awareness about the need for affordable housing and built homes in
partnership with low-income earners.
"We are grateful to the Carters and the thousands of volunteers who've
worked to make simple, decent and affordable housing possible," said Jonathan
Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "Their work this week
will help Habitat increase its efforts in this region to serve even more
families in need of improved housing conditions."
Celebrity volunteers included global movie action star Jet Li, who signed
an agreement with Habitat for Humanity to help build and improve homes in
China in 2010-2011.
Also seen working on the Thai site were Japanese football player
Hidetoshi Nakata; from India, Bollywood superstar and Habitat for Humanity
India supporter John Abraham, along with actor R. "Maddy" Madhavan and Pooja
Bedi, and, from Sri Lanka, actress and broadcaster Jacqueline Fernandez;
South Korean TV actor Lee Seo-Jin; and Habitat for Humanity Thailand's
goodwill ambassador, singer and actor Rattapoom "Film" Tokongsub.
In Chengdu, China, Hong Kong actor/director Daniel Wu was one of several
high-profile volunteers to build.
"I don't want the house to be completed yet, because I want everybody to
stay longer," said new homeowner Kanchit Suthimetheesakul of her experience
building a Habitat house alongside volunteers in Thailand this week. "When it
is done, this will be everybody's house, not just ours. We are all friends
now."
In 2010, the Carter Work Project will move back to the United States.
"I also am pleased to announce that next year Habitat's Jimmy and
Rosalynn Carter Work Project will be held in the United States, Oct. 3- 8, to
coincide with World Habitat Day," said Reckford.
World Habitat Day occurs on the first Monday in October each year as a
time to reflect on the state of towns and cities, and the basic right of
adequate shelter for all people.
166 Homes Dedicated at Habitat for Humanity's Annual 'Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project'
The day was designated by the United Nations and is annually observed by
Habitat for Humanity organizations around the world.
Habitat's Carter Work Project is an annual, internationally-recognized
week of building that brings attention to the need for simple, decent and
affordable housing in partnership with low-income families. President and
Mrs. Carter have faithfully given one week of their time each year since 1984
to help build Habitat homes and raise awareness about the need for simple,
decent housing. The Carter Work Project has been held in India, Korea, The
Philippines, Mexico, South Africa, Hungary, Thailand, Vietnam, China, South
Korea, Laos and throughout the United States.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry
that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating
poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built and
rehabilitated more than 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent
and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more
SOURCE: Habitat for Humanity International
CONTACT: Peter Witton,
+66(0)86105-1767 or +852-909-72014,
pwitton@habitat.org, or
Duane Bates, +1-404-733-3079,
dbates@habitat.org, or
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