Former Derg woman helping to build new future for African communities
Thursday, 2 October 2008
by Julie Moore.
A former Castlederg woman, now living in Dublin, will be hosting a charity fundraiser in aid of the Niall Mellon Township Trust, back in her home town this month.
Michaela Cannon hopes to journey to Capetown in Africa next March with the Trust, to help build homes for the impoverished communities in the townships of South Africa.
The Township Trust was formed in 2002, and in its first year of operation, built 150 homes for some of Africa's poorest people. The Trust has grown from strength to strength since its infancy, and this year hopes to build around 7,000 homes, all with the help of its fundraisers.
The charity is also heavily involved in training and 'up-skilling' it's South African workforce, which is a further integral part of the charity's ethos.
Community development is another integral part of the work of the Township Trust, engaging local residents in the planning and design of their new communities.
All of this is done in close co-operation and partnership with the South African government at national and local level.
Since 2002, over 3,000 volunteers have travelled to work with the Niall Mellon Township Trust in their projects in South Africa.
Michaela, who works in human resources in Dublin, hopes to raise 5,000 euro to fund her trip. She explains: "That money is to fund my flight out there too, but most of it will cover building materials like bricks and doors. I have raised quite a bit of money so far."
Whilst there, Michaela will be getting 'stuck-in' with the rest of her team in an effort to help build a new future for the people of Africa.
Michaela's charity night will be held in the Townhouse Bar, Castlederg, on Saturday, October 11, with music on the night provided by Superstition.
There will also be an auction held during the night, with two tickets for a Manchester United V Arsenal match, and tickets for Top Gear live in Dublin all for the taking.
A signed Tyrone jersey will also be among the many prizes up for grabs in the auction, and a barbecue and prize draw are sure to keep the night's craic in full swing.
Tickets for the fundraising event are priced at £10, including barbecue, and are on sale in the Townhouse Bar, or available by phoning Michaela on 07732899543.
