40 families have Habitat to thank for
Published on: Sunday, December 28, 2014
KOTA KINABALU: Uttered words might matter, but one's presence is truly felt when eye pupils dilate, lips part and hands touch.Body language or action, after all, takes up the majority of the communication process, as without any of it, words are absolutely nothing. Hence, the bonding of volunteer workers of Habitat for Humanity with Sabahans – an experience beyond language and cultural barrier – a unity that surpasses tourism expectation or political goals.
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National Board of Trustees Habitat for Humanity Malaysia President, Allen Tong, recalled a rare moment where a volunteer cut a lock of his blonde hair to be kept by a child in the interior."It was very touching. Some also come to the point of taking off their branded shoes or clothes just to be given to villagers. The kindness they show is beyond just assisting with building homes. It's more than just mingling. I see depth in their connection.They reach out, they listen to each other and truly try to understand one another in ways that the soul knows, but the mind might not necessarily be able to comprehend.""Through volunteer projects, we can help our tourism and hospitality industry as well as economy, as volunteers who come, will also be staying in hotels in KK, eat at restaurants, purchase souvenirs and go on sightseeing tours."
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Somewhere along gearing towards sincerity, and steering towards serving others, the warmth of Sabahans, of course, continues to charm visitors to return to Sabah, the moment their next holiday starts to come up – just to get a chance to meet their new friends, he explained.A calling that he couldn't bear to turn away from was to set up Habitat for Humanity here in the State.
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His heart was drawn to it the moment he heard Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity speaking at a church in Oklahoma, USA during his visit in year 2002.Be excellent, get results and go the extra mile – Allen Tong goes by this mantra throughout his life – a mantra which helped over 40 families in Sabah without proper homes to get a roof over their heads. When two souls cross paths, a transformation may take place in ways that we could never imagine. It was through meeting Millard that led to the set-up of Habitat for Humanity in Malaysia in KK. Without that particular experience, its members would not have had the honour to celebrate its anniversary on Dec 20 at Austral Café."That's how I got to know Habitat for Humanity."Among those present at the event were his wife, Founder member of Habitat for Humanity KK, Jeannette Tong, GV Co-ordinator, Joanna Datuk Kitingan, President (Board of Directors), AR George Chong, Secretary, Pauline Abel, Treasurer, Valerie Tan, Site & Construction, Stephen Hendriks, Resource Development, Emmily Toglum, Anthony Tham and Ir. Christopher Lean. There's a strong connection between building homes and building people's lives. It raises hope within them.Realising the fact that many people do not own a proper home, he made it happen."People growing up in a healthy environment, with the feeling of security and sense of belonging, ensures that they can contribute to society.""Some people face difficulties raising children and teenagers due to lack of rooms."Allen shared the ups and downs he and his wife had to bear when Habitat for Humanity was first established in 2004. He is pleased to see locals and foreigners of various age groups share he and his wife's passion to help others, prompting the mushrooming of new houses in KK, Penampang, Papar, Kota Belud, Tambunan, Inanam, Menggatal and Sandakan. "We give the no profit loan for housing based on one's needs and are able to identify them through word of mouth. So, those who might read this article might know someone who is in need of a home, but can't afford it. Tell them of our existence."Borneo Eco Tours Sdn Bhd sends their staff to volunteer at our project sites according to their schedule, so it would be nice if other companies could take the same initiative. Apart from that, contribution in the form of building materials and others are also welcome."As for international volunteers, about eight groups consisting of Malaysians, Japanese, French, Americans and Singaporeans have visited this State to help out.The international presence is in 70 countries.In Malaysia, there are three Habitat for Humanity branches – KK, KL (64 houses built) and Kuching (127 houses built). Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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