Cathal O'Boyle Managing Director of Neopost Ireland took part in the Niall Mellon Township TrustBuilding Blitz in November 2007. This short article outlines some personal thoughts by Cathal O'Boyle on his experience in South Africa and some information relating to the Niall Mellon Township TrustBuilding Blitz and how it has a positive impact on those who take part.
"In November, I travelled over 6,000 miles from Ireland to Capetown, South Africa to be one of 1,380 volunteers in the NiallMellonTownshipTrustBuilding Blitz. We built 203 low cost houses, a community centre, and a Garden of Hope in one amazing week for the people living in shacks."
"The local people welcomed us when we arrived on site. The shacks that they call their homes are made from galvanised sheets and cardboard, with no running water, heating or toilets. I was lucky to be involved in building a community garden. Now with a community centre and garden, they have a place where they can meet and their children can play on swings, slides and a toy house."
"Each volunteer had to raise at least €4,000 sponsorship to take part. Half is used to cover flights and accommodation costs, with the other half used to purchase the building materials. I thank all the staff in Neopost Ireland, Neopost Norway and Le Lude who helped me raise over €6,500."
"In 2008 the building blitz is looking for 2,008 volunteers. The majority in 2007 came from Ireland, with others from 14 different countries. I recommend you take part in this project. It will be an experience of a lifetime; you work hard, you will be physically tired but you will never tire of the memory of helping 1,500 local people
move from living in shacks to having a permanent roof over their heads."
Cathal O’Boyle, Managing Director, Neopost Ireland