Homes Completed in Kaligonj, Bangladesh, with Support From MoneyGram

Home for the whole family: New homeowner Parul Rozario, her husband Atul and little boy Tonmoy with Edward Fernando, Country Director Bangladesh handing over the repayment tracking record book watched by Mr. Asish Trivedi,MoneyGram Business Development Coordinator, Indian Subcontinent

DHAKA, 8th December 2004: In a simple ceremony last weekend, two families received the keys to new homes that will transform their lives.

The families of Parul Rozario and Shamsunar Begum from Kaligonj, Gazipur district in central Bangladesh earn their living through fishing and farming.

They were the beneficiaries of a global partnership between MoneyGram, the world's foremost money order issuer and one of the largest global money transfer companies, and Habitat for Humanity International.

The partnership is called "Giving Dreams a Home" and is designed to provide homes for more than 150 families in need around the world.

New homeowner Parul Rozario, her husbang Atol, and her little boy Tonmoy received their repayment tracking record book from Edward Fernando, Country Director, Bangladesh. They also received the key to their new home from Mr. Asish Trivedi, MoneyGram Business Development Coordinator, Indian Subcontinent.

Representatives from MoneyGram and its local partners in Bangladesh, Uttara Bank and NCC Bank, were also present during the house dedication function. They are providing vital funds to support HFH Bangladesh in its mission to eradicate poverty housing, one community at a time.

MoneyGram has provided a US$3,500 fund to support HFH Bangladesh. MoneyGram and Habitat for Humanity International are also working together in China, The Philippines and Sri Lanka.

Habitat for Humanity International has been active in Bangladesh since 1999 and has helped to transform the lives of approximately 335 families by providing simple, decent, affordable homes for those in need. HFH Bangladesh works in Mymensigh, Jessore, Tala, Haluwaght and Kaligonj.

Keys to new home: Mr. Asish Trivedi, MoneyGram Business Development Coordinator, Indian Subcontinent handing over the house key for the Rozario family home that they have sponsored.