Niall Mellon, founder of the Niall Mellon Township Trust led 950 enthusiastic Irish volunteers onto site in Wallacedene as part of the charity's Building Blitz (7th-13th Nov). This makes a record breaking number of 3,500 volunteers working with the charity this year, comprising of 2,000 South African and 1,500 Irish Volunteers. The teams all kitted out in their designated coloured t-shirts, hard hats and tools were accompanied on site by the sound of cheering and singing from hundreds of delighted residents, all undeterred by the heavy rain. The ‘Walk In’ marks the first day of the week long build, where the charity will hand over at least 200 homes to the people of Wallacedene. There are currently 6,000 families in the township living in shacks with no running water or sanitation.

Niall Mellon said, "Coming to build in Cape Town is the highlight of the year for the charity. We are here to support the South African volunteers who work with us throughout the year. The enthusiasm, warmth and high spirits that greeted each and every volunteer makes for a fantastic start to the week. The people from the township created such a welcoming atmosphere giving the Irish a fantastic start to the Building Blitz. Despite much uncertainty at home our volunteers have once again proven that no obstacle is too big to keep them from helping others. We brought our hearts, our skills and our traditional Irish weather, but the rain will not dampen our determination."
full article available at nwirishtownships.com

The sense of excitement and anticipation as the 750 volunteers landed in Cape Town for the Niall Mellon Township Trust Building Blitz was quite extraordinary. From all parts of Ireland and from all different walks of life the shared camaraderie was tangible. Each and every volunteer has raised funds to come to the township of Wallacedene to help build a home and a brighter future for some of the world’s poorest people.
The volunteers are in the township of Wallacedene for one week to build 140 homes and with over 550 volunteers now veterans, the likelihood of completion is promising. Niall Mellon said "The 750 volunteers today walked into the township of Wallacedene to rapturous sounds of clapping, singing and cheering. Children were dancing and waving colourful balloons to welcome back the Irish men and women who have come to help change their lives dramatically. It is a reflection of the generous nature of the Irish and a fantastic example to the young people that no matter how hard times are at home the Irish are still willing to help others. I am immensely proud of each and every volunteer who has worked hard to fundraise and join us on our 9th blitz and to all the people in Ireland who donated money to help them get here." full article available at nwirishtownships.com