MEDIA RELEASE PR37136
Action Film Star Jet Li and Habitat for Humanity to Build and Repair Houses Together in China in 2010-
2011 Through 'One-Habitat' Effort
CHIANG MAI, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
Action film star Jet Li, through his One Foundation, and Habitat for
Humanity have signed an agreement to work together in China's earthquake-torn
Sichuan province in 2010 and in China's Yunnan, Guizhou and Guangxi provinces
in 2011.
The "One-Habitat" effort will join Li with Habitat for Humanity to build
and repair houses, and work to meet other community needs in partnership with
low-income earners in the provinces.
"I am looking forward to working with Habitat for Humanity volunteers to
help build and repair houses in China," said Li. "Together we will help
people still recovering from the 2008 Sichuan earthquake and assist in
building stronger communities."
Li signed the agreement with Habitat for Humanity in Chiang Mai during
Habitat's annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Habitat's Carter
Work Project is an intensive week-long build that takes place in a different
location around the world each year. Former U.S. President and Nobel Peace
Prize laureate Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, are leading this year's
build in Thailand, Vietnam, China, Laos and Cambodia, Nov. 15-20.
"We are grateful to Jet Li and the One Foundation for working with
Habitat for Humanity to improve the lives of low-income earners," said
Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "Jet will help
not only build and repair houses, but also raise awareness about the need for
decent housing."
Li was a five-time national martial arts champion in China before he
retired from the sport at the age 17. He started his movie career in 1982 in
a series of Chinese martial arts films before his Hollywood break in Mel
Gibson's "Lethal Weapon 4" in 1998. Li is an ambassador for International Red
Cross and founded the One Foundation, a Chinese-based organization with a
goal to develop China's philanthropic industry. He also is a World Health
Organization Goodwill Ambassador.
This week, Li is one of nearly 3,000 volunteers from around the world who
are building and repairing 166 homes in Thailand, Vietnam, China, Cambodia
and Laos - all countries along the Mekong River.
In Thailand, volunteers are building a community of 82 houses with
families in Chiang Mai province. The number 82 was chosen to honor the 82nd
birthday of the Thai monarch, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, on Dec. 5,
2009.
Habitat volunteers in Cambodia will build 21 houses in Damnak Thom
village with families who will be relocating from a dumpsite near Phnom Penh.
Thirty-two houses will be built by Habitat homeowners and volunteers in
Vietnam's Dong Xa village near Hanoi.
In China, Habitat is working with the local government in Qionglai city,
in the southwestern province of Sichuan, in a project to build a series of
multi-story, urban housing units that will eventually house hundreds of
families. Habitat volunteers will help construct 20 Habitat for Humanity
units during the Carter project.
Additionally, in Laos, Habitat volunteers and families will refurbish 11
homes in Ban Chawang village, 30 minutes outside the capital city of
Vientiane.
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 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 more than
300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for
SOURCE: Habitat for Humanity International, Inc.
CONTACT: Duane Bates of Habitat for Humanity,
+1-404-733-3079,
dbates@habitat.org
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