Owen Rawlings

Charity

From Houses To Homes - Scotland - In the poorest areas of highland Guatemala, improper building materials, a lack of appropriate resources, and unsustainable architecture turns houses to foul rubble in the blink of an eye. Many families live in makeshift homes that are constructed of nothing more than cornstalk or cardboard walls with dirt floors. Decrepit housing quashes hope, fuels health problems, and destroys family unity. The aim of our organisation is to provide healthy homes, education, medical care and to build a sense of community. We work with the poorest Guatemalan families to build or rebuild houses making them strong, safe, culturally appropriate, and affordable to maintain. We recognise that flourishing homes and thriving communities begin with improving actual home structure.
From Houses To Homes - Scotland
In the poorest areas of highland Guatemala, improper building materials, a lack of appropriate resources, and unsustainable architecture turns houses to foul rubble in the blink of an eye. Many families live in makeshift homes that are constructed of nothing more than cornstalk or cardboard walls with dirt floors. Decrepit housing quashes hope, fuels health problems, and destroys family unity. The aim of our organisation is to provide healthy homes, education, medical care and to build a sense of community. We work with the poorest Guatemalan families to build or rebuild houses making them strong, safe, culturally appropriate, and affordable to maintain. We recognise that flourishing homes and thriving communities begin with improving actual home structure.

Event details

06 August 2010

Kilimajaro stands at 5,895 metres, or 19,341 feet. It is quite literally the 'Roof of Africa'. I will take the Machame route over 7 days.

Only 0 days to go!


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Kili climb to help Guatemala disaster victims

Fundraiser: 
Owen Rawlings

My page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/OwenRawlings

Hi guys,

Thanks for visiting my page!

This July (it's really soon, so get on your bike!) I will be travelling to Tanzania in order to climb Kilimanjaro. I am doing this for a cause which is very close to my heart - a charity called 'From Houses to Homes'.

In the poorest areas of highland Guatemala, improper building materials, a lack of appropriate resources, and unsustainable architecture turn houses into foul rubble in the blink of an eye. Many families live in makeshift homes that are constructed of nothing more than cornstalk or cardboard walls with dirt floors. Decrepit housing quashes hope, fuels health problems, and destroys family unity.

The aim of the organisation is to provide healthy homes, education, medical care and to build a sense of community. 'From Houses to Homes' works with the poorest Guatemalan families to build or rebuild houses making them strong, safe, culturally appropriate, and affordable to maintain.

Last summer, I volunteered for three and a half weeks with this charity. I was overwhelmed by the incredibly valuable work that they do. The local builders that I worked alongside are extraordinary people and the bond that they share with the local community, and volunteers, is quite touching.

Side by side, those involved with the project really are changing lives. Since 2005, the charity has constructed 328 new homes - providing housing for 1,956 people. I feel truly honoured to have played just the smallest part in this, and will never forget the warm welcome that I was affored by all.

However, as you may have heard, Guatemala has recently been struck by disaster. First, the Pacaya volcano (which I climbed last year!)erupted causing widespread damage and disruption. Things soon got worse. "Agatha", a powerful tropical storm, ripped through large parts of Guatemala leaving huge suffering in it's wake.

As of the 9th June:

The death toll has reached 174 victims; more than 113 people are still reported missing. 397,808 people have been affected and 133,102 are still at risk. 162,857 people have been evacuated. Only 27,823 of these people are currently living in shelters. A total of 39,160 houses are damaged.

When I work out how to bloomin' do it, there will be pictures on this page showing the work that the charity does, as well as the scale of destruction (take a look in particular at the sink hole in middle of the capital city - it is more than twice the size of the Statue of Liberty!).

Sadly, the incredible work that 'From Houses to Homes' has accomplished, and the general progess that has been achieved in Guatemala in recent years, is threatened in the short, medium and long-term by the scale of this disaster.

A total of £1,140 will be enough to build a house from scratch for one whole family! As I found out last year, the construction takes just six days so the results are immediate. In the wake of the destruction, there is much to repair, rebuild and recover. I hope that this will be a start.

During this difficult time, 'From Houses to Homes' - and Guatemalans - need all the help that they can get.

Please help us put Guatemala back on it's feet!

Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me and donations will be quickly processed and passed to 'From Houses to Homes'. Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity's behalf where the donor is eligible for this.

I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations!

Donate now

Recent donors

09.08.10 Great work Owen. I went to Guatemala as a student too, so I'm v. glad to support. Enjoy the climb!

08.08.10

02.08.10 What a great cause Owen. Enjoy the view!

26.07.10 Good luck Owen, a fantastic cause.

22.07.10 Have a great time, Owen

21.07.10 Good luck with the climb!

20.07.10 From Elizabeth

19.07.10 A tough challenge and a worthy cause. Good luck!

18.07.10 A very good cause: good luck, Owen!

16.07.10 Good luck with the climb and keep up the good works!

06.07.10 from s & v, G & D and ashcrofts

05.07.10 good luck owen, go for it! Hugh

05.07.10 Wishing you lots of luck.

05.07.10 Good Luck Owen. It's a very good cause. David and Lizzie Miles

03.07.10 Good luck!

02.07.10 Good luck, Owen.

01.07.10 Good luck with your project Owen! A very worthy cause.

22.06.10 Good luck Owen, what a fantastic cause and well worth supporting.

22.06.10

22.06.10 Good luck Owen. Have a great time.

19.06.10 good luck owenn ali heree

16.06.10 Fantastic cause Owen - good luck

16.06.10 Good Luck Owen.

15.06.10 Good luck!

14.06.10 Good luck, Nain & Taid

13.06.10 Good luck!

£1,010.00

Running total

Target:
£1,140.00
Total raised incl. Gift Aid:
£1,200.36
Total donors:
26
Biggest donor:
Claire and Rick
£100.00  
Last donor:
Giles Bennett 09.08.10  
Offline fundraising:
£100.00
Donate now