Ricky Martin Partners With Habitat For Humanity In Tsunami Relief
Ricky Martin has partnered with Habitat For Humanity (www.habitat.org) to build 224 houses in Thailand, helping more than 1,000 people, including children.
“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 undisclosed donation will come from the Ricky Martin Foundation (www.rickymartinfoundation.org), which combats the abuse and exploitation of children, human trafficking and related issues, according to AP.
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Habitat spokesman Joedy Isert said the foundation asked that the amount not be disclosed, but according to the Associated Press, he added, "It's a significant contribution."
However, the project is estimated at $2.8 million, and "will be funded by the foundation gift and other donations to Habitat’s tsunami relief fund," according to the HfH statement.
Work is expected to begin in April and be completed by March 2007, states HfH.
Habitat for Humanity has been working in Thailand since 1998 and has built more than 470 homes there.
Martin visited Thailand shortly after the tsunami. There, he told reporters at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, “After looking at those images on television, it was impossible for me to stay at home with my arms crossed,” according to the statement released by HfH.
HfH also included a statement by Paul Leonard, chief executive officer of the global nonprofit homebuilder who said, “Ricky Martin’s gift mirrors our mission – to demonstrate love through action."
“His gift will help rebuild not only homes, but families who lost more than possessions in the tidal surge; giving mothers, fathers and, especially the children, hope and opportunity.”
Also, Angel Saltos, executive director of the San Juan, Puerto Rico-based Ricky Martin Foundation apparently told HfH, “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.”
