The charity could not exist without our volunteers.
Here is what some of them have to say about their experience on our
Volunteer Overseas Programme 'The Building Blitz'.

Brenda Doody: 1 Year Veteran
My first trip to Cape Town with the NMTT was an incredible journey unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life before. I met amazing, fantastic and possibly the funniest (you know who you are!) people I have ever come across before. We all kept the spirits high as we were exposed to the difficult conditions that we never really believe people are experiencing until we witness them first hand. The awful conditions that we saw and the results of the weeks building helped me to believe that one person can make a huge difference to another person's life. I thank Niall Mellon for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime."After my week in the Townships I believe we have little to complain about but then again everything is relative, but our toilets do flush and our taps do work...imagine having neither!! Roll on next year when we will return to "build more than houses"

Derek Holcroft: 2 Year Veteran
To be part of a fantastic group of volunteers working together to give as many people a home is one of the greatest feelings I have ever had. It’s easy to see why so many veteran volunteers keep going year after year and I certainly aim to return in 2011!

Julie Burke: 3 Year Veteran
I am always inspired by the people I meet on the blitz. It makes me proud to be Irish, to be a part of a group of ordinary people from every walk of life who come together to make an extraordinary team. It is hard to explain the team spirit and unrelenting work ethic on site but it sucks you in and that is what gets me through the week. It is hard work, it takes you out of your comfort zone and it challenges you in numerous ways but it is the best thing I have ever done, I am part of the Blitz family and I will be going back every year.

Sonya Deane: 3 Year Veteran
We might think we have it tough at home but going on the building blitz puts everything into perspective.  This was my 3rd trip and each one is a unique positive experience.

Colm Deignan: 4 Year Veteran
"It's such a positive and tangible thing to spend some of your time helping to build a house and a community for people that just need a start in life. It's very rewarding and good fun. I would highly recommend it!"

Pauline Mary McQuaid: 4 Year Veteran
This year was my fourth trip and I have to say the best one yet. I was one of 2 team leaders on the Lime Green team: team really being what it was all about! The camaraderie on the trip was fabulous and the friendships made were ones for life. Whether you came alone, with friends or with family members, by day two, we were all family. Once again this year I was humbled  by the sacrifices many of the volunteer's had made to be able to do the trip. And they didn't just stop with giving their time and fundraising to cover the trip, many also went an extra mile to assist local orphanages and families.
It was almost overwhelming to see the number of new houses that have replaced shacks since we were here in 2009. That alone made me very proud to be part of such a wonderful group, knowing that we had played a small role in changing so many lives for the better. Each trip is truly a journey, in more ways than one. It is an experience everyone should enjoy at least once, but prepare to want to go back!  Roll on 2011!!!!!

Brendan Ryan: 6 Year Veteran
I have found this blitz to be a fantastic experience.  This was my 6th trip and I gain more from each one.  It keeps me focussed on what the real troubles in life are and I’m proud that many of the students where I teach  now come with us each year.  I very much hope that we will be returning next year.

Breege Lynn: 4 Year Veteran
This was my 4th trip and it just gets better and better.  It is a life changing experience focussing on changing people’s lives for the better.  I am definitely hoping to go out in Nov 2011.