Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it’s off to work we go….

This Saturday 13th will see 750 Irish volunteers leaving the shores of Ireland to go on the Niall Mellon Township Trust Building Blitz.  These volunteers, from all walks of life, have over come the recession obstacles in Ireland and are doing their  best to ‘make a difference’ and help change the lives of some of the poorest people on the planet.

This will be the charity’s ninth blitz in Cape Town.   Its aim is to build 140 homes within the week.  By the end of 2010, 15,000 homes will have been built throughout the townships of South Africa, giving much improved living conditions, health benefits and a new future to over 80,000 people. 

Niall Mellon said “We have volunteers from as young as 18 coming out with us on this year’s blitz.  It is a fantastic achievement over the past 8 years to have 6,500 Irish volunteers join us and help alleviate the appalling conditions that people endure in the townships of South Africa.  This year we have already had close to 3,000 South Africans on similar building blitzes. This would not have happened without the inspiration of the Irish “said Niall.

‘This year’s trip will be in Wallacedene where the population of 68,000 is living in 9,000 shacks.  The life expectancy is only 43 years of age.  I am truly uplifted by the continued support from Ireland. It is a great tribute to the qualities of the Irish Spirit, considering the challenges back home.  As Irish people we have inherited a great reputation for helping our fellow human beings all over the world and  continuing that work is even more important when the chips are down in our native country.’

The work of the Niall Mellon Township trust has been an examination question on the Junior Certificate in Ireland and the example of our adults in volunteering to do such work has never been greater or more important said Mr. Mellon.

Since its inception in 2002 the charity has built 15,000 homes and has housed 80,000 people. It has recently launched its target to make it 100,000 people by the end of 2011.

The charity remains open for application for its November 2011, 1 week building blitz.

In addition to the building blitz, the Niall Mellon Township Trust will be working with the local community school in building sustainable vegetable gardens providing food for the students and working on a crèche with over 200 young children.  Community development is an integral part of the work of the charity.  The charity generates employment for 2,000 South Africans ,many of whom are  from the local townships. A core mission of the charity is training and up skilling.

To become involved in the 2011 Niall Mellon Township Trust Building Blitz please log onto www.nmtownshiptrust.com

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For further information

Valerie Craigie            086 821 0427

Craigie Communications    01 627 6891