Habitat for Humanity commemorates International Volunteer Day in Latin America and the Caribbean
San José, Costa Rica (December 4, 2012) – This week, Habitat for Humanity is commemorating International Volunteer Day through various events across the Latin American and the Caribbean region. The events recognize and promote the importance of volunteerism as a vehicle for social justice and inclusion.
The commemoration activities launched last week, with the participation of 600 international volunteers in Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Haiti. A group of Costa Ricans joined the event, helping to build 100 permanent homes alongside ex-president Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn.
National Habitat for Humanity organizations the region will commemorate the day with various actions, including volunteer construction events, community development activities and social media buzz. El Salvador, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic are among the countries hosting activities.
“Volunteerism is a transformational force that lays the foundation for a committed citizenry. Habitat for Humanity unites the capacity and commitment of volunteers, with the provision of housing solutions that both strengthen social ties and transform unjust and exclusionary systems,” says Flora Calderón-Steck Habitat for Humanity’s regional volunteer coordinator.
Habitat for Humanity has mobilized more than 19,000 Latin American and Caribbean volunteers this year alone, involving them in various activities beyond the construction of homes.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit habitat.org, or follow us at facebook.com/habitat or at twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat’s blog community at habitat.org/blog.