Ricky Martin Aids Habitat for Humanity's Tsunami Relief Effort -- International Superstar and Advocate for Children Partners with Habitat for Humanity to build 224 homes
April 26, 2005
BANGKOK, 26th April 2005, - After a visit to the affected regions following the December 2004 tsunami, Latin pop superstar Ricky Martin has agreed to aid children around the world affected by the tragedy by partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build and restore an initial 224 houses as part of a more extensive project in Phang Nga province, Thailand.
The Ricky Martin Foundation donation will help more than 1,000 people move out of temporary shelters. These initial 224 families will move into simple, safe accommodation where they can piece their lives back together.
Martin visited Thailand shortly after the 26th December tsunami ravaged the Indian Ocean basin. There, he told reporters at the Thai foreign affairs’ ministry, “After looking at those images on television, it was impossible for me to stay at home with my arms crossed.” Upon arrival, he began to explore ways to show his concern for the country and its people.
“Ricky Martin’s gift mirrors our mission - to demonstrate love through action,” said Paul Leonard, Habitat’s chief executive officer. “His gift will help rebuild not only homes, but families who lost more than possessions in the tidal waves; giving mothers, fathers and, especially the children, hope and opportunity.”
“Solidarity transcends borders, race, and cultures. This case is an excellent model of how governments and the private sector can successfully unite for the well-being of humanity” said Angel Saltos; executive director of the San Juan, Puerto Rico-based Ricky Martin Foundation.
Habitat for Humanity has been working in Thailand since 1998 and has built more than 470 homes there.
Habitat for Humanity Thailand has targeted three locations in southern Thailand as having high potential for tsunami recovery building programs: Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi. The first Habitat disaster response center has been established in Phang Nga, with an office in Khao Lak. Building has begun in Bang Niang village. Materials are being fabricated at multiple sites.
Housing remains a key concern, Foundation officials say, providing a safe haven for children who may have been left orphaned or who may be spending too much time alone as their families struggle for normalcy in their lives. “It would be too easy for these children, given the chaos and dislocation, to be further victimized by those who exploit them,” said Martin. “A home gives them a place to be: safety in numbers, shelter from storms - potential and real.”
The Ricky Martin Foundation project is part of a larger Habitat program to benefit 1,000 tsunami victim-families in Pang Nga Province. The project, estimated at US2.8 million, will be funded by the foundation gift and other donations to Habitat’s tsunami relief fund. Work is expected to begin in April and be completed by March 2007.
About the Ricky Martin Foundation The Ricky Martin Foundation, located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, monitors and combats a range of problems relating to the abuse and exploitation of children, trafficking in persons and related issues.. The organization also works in areas such as education, health and human development in general. www.rickymartinfoundation.org
About Habitat for Humanity International Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. By the end of 2005, Habitat will have built its 200,000th house and more than one million people will be living in Habitat homes they helped build and are buying through affordable, no-interest no-profit mortgages. www.hfhap.org and www.habitat.org
Issued by: Habitat for Humanity International Q House, 8th Floor, 38 Convent Rd., Silom Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand