Ascension : ISLAND-TO-ISLAND TSUNAMI AID
Submitted by The Islander (Gavin Yon) 14.07.2005 (Article Archived on 28.07.2005)
Two volunteers from Serco Defence & Aerospace’s contract on Ascension Island have just returned from a one week trip of a lifetime to the Island of Sri Lanka
Two volunteers from Serco Defence & Aerospace’s contract on Ascension Island have just returned from a one week trip of a lifetime to the Island of Sri Lanka to help rebuild the shattered remains of Hikkaduwa, a village devastated by last Decembers Tsunami. Richard Young, a supplier & Lorimar Bennet who works for Serco Security, both were amongst the first to volunteer for the chance to visit Sr iLanka after Mal Moss, the Ascension Island Contract manager put out the call for 2 hardworking volunteers. After a 12-hour flight from Heathrow they arrived at Columbo International for a further 3-hour coach trip to their hotel.
Richard with Sri Lankan co-workers.
After a day off to recuperate, Richard & Lorrimar, along with 18 other Serco volunteers from all over the UK, faced a 45-minute coach trip to Hikkaduwa to begin work on the construction of 50 houses built under the guidance of the charity Habitat for Humanity. Richard said that when he arrived, the construction of the two bed roomed bungalows were well under way and with the help of the dozen local workers they all hoped to make a significant contribution to the project
During their week long stay the Serco Volunteers also visited what was left of the local school, which had been badly damaged. Richard &Lorimar both said that they noticed how happy and full of smiles the youngsters were despite what they had been through.
At the end of their visit they distributed pens, pencils and other gifts to the children, which were very gratefully received!
At the end of their week long visit, it was time to say goodbye to the many friends they had made during their stay with a meal at their local hotel, with Richard commenting on how spicy it was!
All in all both men said they were very grateful for the opportunity to go and work on such an important project.
The fruits of their efforts.
Although it had been heartbreaking for Richard and Lori to witness the carnage the tsunami had caused, it had at the same time been heart warming to work with those directly affected and help in some small way, to rebuild their homes and lives.
Richard and Lorimar would definitely recommend it to anyone who wanted to make a difference to people’s lives! Well done to Richard & Lorimar!
Finally, Richard, Lori and Serco Defence and Aerospace would like to thank all those on Ascension who donated so generously to sponsor our willing volunteers and support this wonderful and worthwhile project.
Chris Cochran
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