Dearbhla’s appeal to help poor after ‘eye-opening’ visit

Dearbhla’s appeal to help poor after ‘eye-opening’ visit

5 October 2016

DOWNPATRICK woman Dearbhla Molloy is encouraging local people to get involved with Habitat for Humanity NI after returning from an inspiring experience in Romania.

Dearbhla spent 10 days working in partnership with the local community to help improve the living conditions of vulnerable families as part of the Youth Build initiative.

Funds raised in Northern Ireland support this life-changing work over the long term, offering families a hand-up out of poverty and a firm foundation to build a brighter future.

Dearbhla described her trip as an “eye-opening experience,” explaining it was amazing to work beside local people and see the impact that better living conditions have on families. 

“There are so many ways to support Habitat’s work and I would encourage everyone to get involved in whatever way they can,” she said.

Every year, volunteers from Northern Ireland support Habitat NI’s partner programmes through donations and volunteering in countries including Romania, Ethiopia, Malawi, Cambodia and India.

Jenny Williams, Habitat NI’s chief executive, said safe shelter saves lives and explained that thanks to the generous support the charity receives from people across Northern Ireland, more families are healthier, children do better in school and parents have the chance to earn a stable income. 

She added: “Home is the start of it, for all of us. Yet tonight and every night too many families will go to sleep without a door that locks or have access to a proper toilet. There is so much more to do and we hope local people will continue to support this life-changing work.”

Habitat NI have a number of opportunities to support long-term partner programmes in 2017 by fundraising and/or volunteering in Romania, Ethiopia, Malawi, India and Cambodia. Visit www.habitatni.co.uk or telephone (028) 9263 5635 for more information.