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BANGKOK, 4th November 2005:
The first item on chief executive Jonathan Reckford’s
first day of his first overseas trip since being appointed
to lead Habitat for Humanity was a house dedication ceremony
for a tsunami-recovery project in southern Thailand.
Reckford participated in celebrations marking the completion
of the first five of 80 homes being built and renovated for
families from the predominantly Morgen or “sea gypsy”
community on the northeastern tip of Phuket island.
“It broke our hearts
to see the damage the tsunami brought to this country. But
today is a day of hope and celebration,” Reckord told
the villagers
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Handover:
the CEO hands the keys to a new home to Marasi
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“I am delighted to see
how you have joined together to build homes and to build a
stronger and more united community.”
“Thank you for the privilege of allowing Habitat for
Humanity to work alongside you in this effort and to be part
of your future,” he added.
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Interlocking:
Reckford inspects compressed bricks used to keep down
building costs
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The Morgen community at Tachatchai,
some 15 minutes from Phuket’s international airport,
traditionally relies on fishing. Sea gyspies were among the
most impoverished peoples in southern Thailand even before
last December’s tsunami hit.
The nearby JW Mariott Hotel has played part in supporting
Habitat for Humanity’s tsunami response in Tachatchai.
The hotel has donated US$150,000 towards rebuilding and staff
and guests have provided a constant stream of volunteers to
work on site.
Commodities group Cargill, a major supporter in Habitat’s
work in Thailand, has also provided funds and volunteers.
The homes are built using low-cost compressed soil blocks
that are made on site. The blocks then interlock like children’s
bricks.
The first eighty homes are due to be complete by mid-December.
A second phase, starting next year, should see a further 64
homes built and renovated.
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Bangkok
reception: Jonathan Reckford (center) with
Dr. Chainarong Monthienvichienchai, chair of the Thai
board and Steve Weir (left), Habitat's Asia-Pacific
vice president
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Reckford finished his first
day with a reception in Bangkok hosted by Habitat for Humanity
Thailand.
Dr. Chainarong Monthienvichienchai, chair of the Thai board,
welcomed Reckford. Representatives from Bank of Ayudhya, Citigroup,
Dow, Ford and HSBC were among the 60 attendees at the reception,
which was held at the JW Marriott hotel, Bangkok,
HFH Thailand has seven affiliates and has dedicated some 700
houses to date.
After one day in Thailand, Reckford’s tour takes him
to Hong Kong, Indonesia and the Philippines.
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