Two leading North-east house building firms came together to build four houses in six days for families in Kenya.
As part of a team of 29 volunteers from all over the world Stewart Milne Timber Systems and Bancon Homes worked together in the planning and execution of the Gathimba Edwards Foundation’s annual project.
The companies staff joined 21 other volunteers from Israel, Australia, Brazil and the UK in fundraising for the £35,000 land and building materials costs. In the end they collectively raised in excess of £43,000 - the additional money will go towards the schools fees of the 135 children the charity supports who do not have monthly sponsors.
Working at 2400m above sea level, the team completed the houses two days ahead of schedule.
The building was planned and overseen by Darren Cocker, site manager at Bancon Homes. He said:
“It's amazing to see a team of volunteers become house builders in less than a week and change the lives of 4 families. I’m very grateful to Bancon for supporting my 4th year of involvement in the project.”
GEF founder Myles Edwards said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the volunteers from Kenya and abroad for transforming these families lives. Living in the forest or by the road side is now a thing of the past thanks to them.
“The way that Stewart Milne Timber Systems and Bancon Homes worked together in the planning and execution of the project was inspiring.”
Stewart Milne Timber Systems enabled 7 of their staff to be part of the project and also supported fundraising in a major way. It’s the 3rd year the company have supported the charity build trip. Jennifer McMillan, Construction Coordinator at the firm said: “What an incredible experience, working with a great bunch of people, learning new skills along the way and just being able to contribute to building 4 houses and seeing the delight on the families faces on opening day humbled me so much.
“It was challenging at times but so rewarding with a good few laughs along the way. Amazing trip and would highly recommend to anyone.”
The families will be supported with land to grow food for consumption and sale. The next house building trip will be from,October 12 -25, 2019. There are a number of ways for companies to get involved through sending staff to Kenya, fundraising, sponsorship of materials or tshirts and more. Please visit here for more information.
