Reasons for Choosing Habitat For Humanity NI

There are lots of charities out there that need our help and I found it a hard task to choose one particular organisation. The needs of people are so great that I felt guilty when eliminating a particular charity. But in the end, I opted for Habitat.

In their own words, they are "a non-profit, non-denominational Christian movement dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent and affordable place to live in dignity and safety."

So why them?


1. They are Christian-based: I am a Christian and although I support charities that don't claim to be based on any faith, I personally felt that I wanted to support one that had the same principles as I live by. That's not to say that in the future, when I do some other sponsored challenge, that I won't choose a non-Christian organisation. But at the moment, that's the decision I made. However, no matter what your views are about Christians I don't think there can be many arguments about the good work that Habitat do throughout the world.


2. I take my home for granted: As I look out my window now, there is snow on the ground and my fingers are still tingling from clearing the snow off our car. Yet I am able to come in and sit in the comfort and warmth of my home, knowing that I have running water and electricity and toilets and all the things that we are used to having. But there are so many people, here in Northern Ireland and across the world who don't have a fraction of the luxury we have. I would like others to know how it feels to have a place to call home.

3. A titanic leap: My sister and I have registered for a sponsored event to jump from 100 feet and go hurtling towards the ground...only to be saved by some sort of air-brake device(!). All the details can be found here. The event is being jointly run by Habitat, so I thought I would just do a bit extra for them.

4. Because others have helped: I know of other people from my church and local area who have helped raise money for Habitat for Humanity and have gone on building missions to far away countries. I know the good work that has been done and if the money that is raised helps just a little bit more, then that's good enough for me.