Habitat for Humanity won the prize for best volunteer project at the National Volunteer Gala
The Big Build event, which represents one of Habitat for Humanity Romania’s responses to the precarious housing situation in our country, was nominated as The Best Volunteer Project of the Year in the social domain” having also received this distinction at the National Volunteer Gala last year.
Now in its fourth edition, Big Build is one of the most awarded projects/events in the NGO sector, being recognized for its size, its remarkable involvement of volunteers and for the large number of supporters who have supported it since its first edition in 2009.
“Big Build means more than just the construction of some houses, the project is unique through its strength. Every year for a few days, it generates an amazing interaction between different social groups (poor families, vulnerable groups, foreign volunteers, young students, companies, public authorities, media) and offers a new state of mind to the communities in which the event takes place. More than that, the event takes place each year on World Housing Day, to attract attention to the need of a decent home for over 5 million Romanians. Thus proving through involvement and solidarity, the lives of people can be radically changed for the better. Another aspect is that the beneficiaries of the homes are responsible for the help received, also participating as volunteers in building their and others’ homes and then paying a no-interest monthly repayment for the new house”, declares Gabriela Grigori, Director of Resource Development and Communications, Habitat for Humanity Romania.
In 2012, the event was held under the slogan „More houses, two counties, a single community”. During teh period of 1-5 Ocotber, over 500 volunteers, together with orphans and families with low incomes, 11 new homes were built simultaneously and a futher 3 homes were finished in two locations in the copuntry: in Oradea, Bihor county and in Preajba, Dolj county.
“I’m happy that I’m here and I gladly responded to the invitation to be with Habitat for Humanity Romania. I’m here to ask all youth and in power to come and volunteer. These homes are build for people who didn’t have a home, and so we give birth to hope, trust and joy on the face of children who live in appalling conditions. We should further develop the idea of volunteering in Romania”, said actress Natasha Raab, who was a volunteer at Big Build 2012.
Over the 4 years, Big Build has involved over 1500 volunteers from Romania and abroad in the construction of 46 houses for families in need of a decent home. The 4 editions took place in different location, the goal being to extend the support offered to families with low incomes, vulnerable gourps and orphans in Romania.
In 2012, the project was possible due to people with larfge hearts, thanks to local communities who were prepared to respond to such cases and thanks to the sponsots and supporters of the project: Fundatia Vodafone Romania-partner, Europharm Distribuție, Wienerberger Sisteme de Căramizi, Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland, Fundaţia Căminul Felix, Chamber of industry and Commerce Dolj, Celestica, Lafarge, Asociaţia Firmelor Bihorene, Crişana, Good Sign and Teambuilding Inovativ. Media partners who supported the promotion of the event were: Agenda Construcțiilor, CSR Media, România Pozitivă, Cocor Media, RFI Romania, Gazeta de Sud, Crișana, Media Sud, Ediție Specială, TVS and Radio Lynx.
