What is the aim of the Building Blitz?
The annual Building Blitz has been instrumental in our success to date and continues to be a central pillar of the charity’s ongoing development. The aim of the blitz is to give people an opportunity to use their skills and enthusiasm to improve the lives of township residents in South Africa. The trip enhances a spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy in Ireland and exposes people to the reality of poverty in South African Townships.What benefits does the Building Blitz bring about?
There are many benefits brought about by the building blitz. Local communities receive a much needed boost from the efforts and enthusiasm of the Irish volunteers, while the partnership and personal contact made between the volunteers and the local community creates a far reaching bond across national borders and cultural divides.The arrival en masse of our Irish volunteer groups in South Africa over the years has created a highly visible and tangible presence for the charity in South Africa. This has helped us to gain the attention and recognition of highly placed ministers in the South African government, as well as putting the housing crisis in South Africa back on the front page.
There are many consequential benefits which follow on from the Building Blitz. Each volunteer returns home from the trip with first hand experience of life in the townships. A significant number of volunteers have subsequently become more active in local social and charitable efforts.
How do I apply to be a volunteer?
You can either download the 2008 application form here or contact our office on: +353 (0)1 494 8200 and request an application form to be sent to you in the post.In order to secure your place on the trip, application forms must be accompanied by a deposit cheque or postal order for €500 and a photocopy of your passport. This deposit will only be cashed if you are confirmed on the trip. If your application is not successful, your deposit will be returned. This deposit is not refundable once your place on the Building Blitz has been confirmed.
Do I have to have a trade to participate on the trip?
We are currently looking for 2008 volunteers for 2008. Around 80% of these volunteers will come from the building trade in Ireland, representing a wide variety of skills from carpentry to block laying. The remaining 20% will come from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. Volunteers who do not have a trade are involved in a range of activities on-site, including painting, labouring, store management and a range of other activities.Can females volunteer?
Of course. The application process is open to people from all walks of life, male or female.How much do I have to raise?
Each volunteer is asked to raise a minimum of €5000. Approximately €2300 of this covers return flights to Cape Town from Dublin, accommodation, transfers to and from the site each day and travel insurance from the departure date to the return date. Breakfast and lunch will also be provided daily.The remainder of the funds raised goes towards the cost of building materials. 100% of any money raised above the €5000 target will go directly towards providing additional houses in the townships.
All funds must be lodged before July 31st 2008.
How do I go about raising this money?
It may sound like a huge amount, but with a few good ideas and the help of your friends and family it can be done. Staff in the office will help you with some ideas and can provide you with posters and flyers for your big event. A full list of fundraising suggestions can be found here.Is there an age limit?
You must be between the age of 18 and 65 to apply. Participants must be relatively fit to work during the Building Blitz. If you are aged 55 years or over, or if you have any sort of medical condition that could be adversely affected by exercise, particularly any sort of heart condition, you must obtain a medical certificate from your doctor stating that you are fit to participate.Does my passport have to be valid for a certain length of time after my return?
Yes. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the date of departure. Passport control and in-country authorities will reserve the right to refuse entry.Where do we stay when we are in South Africa?
Hotels are provided in Cape Town for the duration of the Building Blitz. Transport will be provided to bring you to and from site every day. Hotel rooms are on a shared basis, so if you are applying with a friend, please state on your application with whom you would like to share.Do I need to get any vaccinations?
It is recommended that you speak to your local GP or the Tropical Medical Bureau before you travel. Explain to them that you will be building houses in a township in Cape Town, South Africa.The Tropical Medical Bureau can be contacted on 1850 487 674.