Earlier this year, I felt that I wanted to ‘do something’. I felt that something was missing, that I needed to connect with my core values. A rejection or two also brought this home. I felt that rather than dwell in negativity, that I wanted to do something inspiring and something that was ‘about people’ and helping those in need in a tangible way.
Last year, I had bought a copy of the ‘The Big Issue’ which is a magazine sold by the homeless or long term unemployed. I had seen an ad for a volunteer program that went for one week. I felt that one week was something that I could do, so I went and found the magazine and found the ad. It was for ‘Habitat for Humanity’. Habitat for Humanity is an organization that supports those in need by helping them build houses.
I was immediately attracted. I thought ‘how wonderful to work with a community and help them build a house’! I looked through their catalogue of international projects and came upon the ‘Cambodia – Mekong Big Build’ later this year. After some discussion with my husband, I decided to put my name down.
So what is this build about? Here is some information:
‘After the closure of the Stueng Meanchey dumpsite in 2009, scavenger landless families dispersed in rental shacks all over the Phnom Penh. The Mekong Big Build in Cambodia is establishing a ‘new city’ within bicycling distance from the Stueng Meanchey dump site. The project is aiming to construct 50 affordable, rent-to-own housing for families who used to live in the dumpsite area. The location will allow them to find work in the city as well as develop new skills like gardening and sewing.’ (http://www.habitat.org.au/globalvillage/cambodiamekongbigbuild)

I think it sounds like a wonderful project and I am thrilled to go and do something positive for those in need.
Now this is where I get my donations hat out ….as part of participating in the build, I am supposed to raise $2,000! Thanks to some kind donations, I have a start, but I have a long way to go. Here is where I hope the kindness and goodwill of friends, family and strangers will help me in reaching my target.
So how can you help? Please donate what you can towards my trip by going to the following link:
http://www.habitat.org.au/page.aspx?pid=1267&tab=0&frsid=1480
I would like to recognise those that support me and I will do that in the following ways:
• If you donate at least $AUD50 I will send you a ‘Thank you Card’ with a photo of me during the build.I will publish this on my blog http://www.ecomummy.com and will promote through my networks. You will also receive a copy of this photo which you can keep or use to promote your contribution towards this great project.
• If you donate at least $AUD200 I will print a photo of you or your company logo on a T-shirt and wear this during my build with a message of thanks. I will take a photo and publish this on my blog and promote through my networks. In recognition of your wonderful contribution, you will also receive a copy of this photo for your own use or for further marketing.
• If you or your company donate at least $AUD400 I will not only wear a T-shirt with your picture or company logo, but I will also record a video message of thanks and upload this to my blog and publicise through my networks. You will also receive this clip which you can use on your or your company’s website to highlight your contribution towards helping families in Cambodia.

Thank you so much!