40 Sleeps to go!! ……………….

Don’t panic you haven’t fallen into a time warp and skipped the Summer  months to Christmas looming; it’s 40 Sleeps until our first exciting trip to Malawi with Habitat for Humanity.I’m sure you’re all now aware of Habitat for Humanity and our partnership to build 24 homes and improved latrines in Salima ………….if not where have you been hiding?! As the partnership and the opportunity to be part of the volunteering trips were received with so much interest, we thought it would be nice for there to be somewhere for people to follow the progress…………So, welcome to our brand new Blog page!

Whether you were lucky enough to be picked for the 2016 trip and are looking for further information or you are just interested in how we are all getting along or wish to send comments of support, then this is the place to be……...we would love you to get involved and to hear from you.

I first became aware of Habitat for Humanity around 5-6 years ago when I was approached by someone I know to sponsor them in the Hope Challenge, which is Habitat for Humanity’s signature event in Great Britain: an exciting outdoor team competition set in Derbyshire’s stunning Peak District, whereby teams of 4 to 6 people design and plan their shelters and bring with them everything they need to build a simple structure that will keep them warm and dry for two nights. The weekends are full of physical and mental team challenges and the funds raised support Habitat for Humanity’s vision of a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.I thought this what a great way to raise funds, it gave an understanding the challenges of having to build your own home from scraps, but also to have fun and build relationships with colleagues, all for a good cause. 

So I read up on Habitat for Humanity to discover more about them and liked what I found, I believe in what they are trying to achieve, in that everyone should have a safe and decent place to live and I wanted to be part of this achievement, so have over the years supported them in various ways.  However, I personally wanted to do more and be more involved, rather than just donating money or sponsoring people, I wanted to be a part of it; I wanted to feel a sense of accomplishment and to feel like I was making a difference, which is why the volunteering trips became of interest.

Had you heard of Habitat for Humanity before Touchstone joined in partnership?

 

 

I was delighted when Touchstone announced the partnership with Habitat for Humanity, not only because I believe in the cause but I also felt it was very fitting with the business and industry we are in, don’t you think?  For Touchstone to also commit to 3 trips over 3 years is very exciting, giving staff the chance to get their hands dirty and be involved.  Having the cost of the trip shared between the company and the volunteer has shown huge commitment and dedication from both parties

 

I am so thrilled to have been picked for the first of the trips; I am ready for some hard work (ok, I’m getting there, I will start the gym and get fit tomorrow, promise) but cannot wait for what I believe to be a lifetime experience and to see first-hand how the poverty has affected the community, to teach skills that the community can then continue and share and even turn into revenue.

Why did you sign up for the 2016 trip?  May be you didn’t and are waiting to see how the first trip goes before you get involved, or maybe you are happy to support from a distance.  Either way please feel free to be involved through our blog page, we would love to hear from you. 

Subject to modern technology we hope to provide updates from Malawi, so you can see the progress, and hear how we are getting on…………… so watch this space.