Fundraising ID: 097GBA62 – VT01

Update: Brian and Nicola are now back from Argentina having completed the Global Village Challenge for Habitat for Humanity. You can catch up on how we got on at the Inksters Give Blog. Our fund raising efforts will however continue (at least for a few months more). Please keep giving.

Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

Brian and Nicola are joining a two-week challenge (14th to 28th November 2009) to help an Argentine family out of the shocking poverty in which they live. Working together with the local community, we will assist in building a home using local materials and building techniques. We will work directly with the beneficiary homepartner family as we support them in their effort to build a better future. 

In December 2001, suffered an economic collapse that left 50 percent of the population below the poverty line. Currently, one third of the population lives in inadequate housing conditions – about 3,500,000 homes. Over 16 percent are living in damaged houses that must be completely replaced. Half of the housing problems could be solved by refurbishing or finishing the houses. However, more than 30 percent needs a new house in order to live decently. 

Why build in ?

Habitat for Humanity Argentina puts a great emphasis on transformation in its work. This means the charity works with the partner families before, during and after the specific construction activities with different workshops such as financial and legal literacy. This helps to make the most of the new opportunities a house can provide, transforming their ability to help them truly escape the poverty cycle.

Brian is a property lawyer at Inksters Solicitors and everyday deals with conveyancing transactions helping people in acquire new homes. Not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to secure their own home.

As a practicing architect at Page\Park, Nicola has always enjoyed how her work can have a positive influence on peoples’ lives, and the creation of a safe and decent home is fundamental to that.

Brian and Nicola are really looking forward to learning some practical skills and ‘making a difference’. You will be able to follow progress on the Inksters Give Blog and on Brian's Twitter.

For the homepartner families, the fact that volunteers come from so far away provides a tremendous motivation. The cultural exchange is extremely important for the programme, families and Habitat staff. Part of the experience is to give both a great building experience but also an understanding of the impact of poverty housing.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - We raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

The cost of the trip to Argentina has already been met through kind sponsorship by Inksters Solicitors. See the Inksters Give website for more details. Therefore, every penny raised by Brian and Nicola will go straight to Habitat for Humanity to directly assist the build project.

So please dig deep and donate now.