From the Calgary Airport, and five flights later, Cochranites recently lent a hand, or a hammer, rebuilding several homes in Tacloban, Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan devastated the area in 2013.
A team of several people from Cochrane travelled to Tacloban through non-governmental organization (NGO) Canadian Global Response (CGR), a group that caters to helping those in need in other countries with construction projects.
“I wanted to be a part of this – helping people emotionally and physically,” said Lana Allen, a volunteer through Canadian Global Response.
Although CGR have been on the ground in the Philippines since the typhoon in 2013, teams did not leave Calgary until March 3 to begin construction on eight houses for a period of two weeks.
Three houses were fully completed prior to the teams leaving, and locals of Tacloban employed by CGR continued to work on the houses and are currently finishing the last.
The first team of volunteers was composed of Calgarians, while the second team of seven, six were from Cochrane, including Allen, as well as a carpenter from Lethbridge.
Allen has been on relief projects in the past in Mexico and Peru. She had an amazing experience in the past, which fuelled her trip to the Philippines.
“It was such a privilege to spend time with people who had so little materially, but knew how to be happy regardless,” said Allen.
“They were so very grateful that people on the other side of the world would help them.”
Canadian Global Response hope to continue fundraising this year to enable them to return to the Philippines in early 2016, according to Sara Ruiz, CGR coordinator.
The houses that CGR are constructing cost $1,200 for materials, and the organization hope to begin family sponsorships or house sponsorships in the future.
Currently, CGR are constructing water-wells in the central African country Chad to supply clean drinking water for residents. They also currently have medical teams assisting in the Middle East.
Anyone with construction experience can volunteer for CGR projects, and can find more information on canadianglobalresponse.ca.
