The Victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Need YOUR Expertise. Now!

Auckland, New Zealand – People with construction expertise are needed to become “First Builders”.

Experienced and qualified specialist volunteers are needed to become Habitat for Humanity “First Builders” and help Habitat for Humanity rebuild homes for families whose lives were shattered by the December 26th disaster.

Habitat for Humanity is mobilizing international teams of volunteers to work on short 5 – 7 day assignments to help rebuild ravaged communities in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Volunteers are needed over a three-month period, with the first Habitat “First Builder” teams departing for India and Sri Lanka in late February.

Each Habitat “First Builder” team would spend up to five days on site: clearing debris, re-working foundations, rebuilding and repairing homes as well as undertaking other recovery efforts.

It’s a demanding assignment: team members need to be hardy, flexible, with hands-on construction experience, and capable of working in challenging conditions with minimal oversight. On-the-ground facilities may be limited and amenities few, so volunteer teams should be prepared to be responsible for their own food, shelter, water and medical supplies if conditions dictate.

Each team must have a seasoned construction expert, such as a site supervisor, with at least three years’ experience, plus a qualified medical doctor or paramedic or equivalent.

Habitat “First Builder” team members will cover their own expenses. They will be encouraged to raise funds to support Habitat for Humanity on-going Asian Tsunami Relief Fund. You will need willingness and an expertise that makes a difference.

The Ideal “First Builder” Team:

Team size: 8-10 members

“Must Have” requirements

21 years of age or older

Construction knowledge and experience

Physical and mental fitness

Habitat for Humanity is also looking for skilled people to help lead teams for a one week build of five homes in Manukau in March. For more information or If you think you have what it takes to lead or join a Habitat “First Builder” team and/or a local New Zealand, please contact Habitat for Humanity on 0800 44 2248.

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