New story for tsunami fundraiser

PAKENHAM’S generosity has brought new life to communities devastated by the Boxing Day tsunami.
Almost $200,000 raised through the House of Hope project is being used to deliver primary health care and drinking water to villages around the Myanmar township of Kawthaung.
The December 2004 disaster killed hundreds of thousands of people and left millions homeless.
Shocked by the carnage, a group of bighearted Pakenham residents vowed to do something to help.
Pakenham builder George Single led the push that eventually became the Cardinia Tsunami Aid Project (TAP).
Mr Single enlisted the support of fellow tradespeople and local businesses to build a fourbedroom house that was dubbed the House of Hope and captured the hearts of the community.
The house was sold at auction last May with proceeds going towards World Vision’s work in the areas worstaffected by the tsunami.
Mr Single, who visited the areas last year, said it was fantastic to know that the local effort had been worthwhile.
“This is the result of a lot of work by a lot of people and it is nice to know we have been able to help in a small way,” Mr Single said.
“Pakenham really got behind our project and the end result is hopefully one that will bring new hope to people caught up in the disaster.”
Mr Single said the World Vision project funded by TAP planned to target seven villages for health infrastructure and health care provision.
These villages comprise a total population of 10,572 people. Four were directly affected by the tsunami.
“World Vision has been involved in these villages for a number of years and has regular communication with the communities and volunteers who work there,” he said.
“The issue of the need for the health centres and water infrastructure arose from discussions with community members and volunteers.”
All residents of the area are expected to benefit from the improved health care delivery and clean water delivered under the TAPfunded project.
A sixmonthly report will be provided to TAP Cardinia as well as an endofproject report.
The project is expected to run for a year.