A project to get involved with
While we’re familiar with hearing of developers creating huge apartment complexes in the inner city and reaping a hefty profit, this building project is unlikely to be one that you've heard of before.
Margaret Lomas, host of Skynews Business’ Your Money Your Call and Property Success, and founder of Destiny, along with a team of property professionals, is flying to Cambodia to build homes for some of the country's poorest families.
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The Property People House Builders team has raised $43,891 of their minimum $45,000 goal, and it’s investors like you, and publications like Smart Property Investment, that are doing their bit to help by donating.
“It's been great the way the investing community has opened their hearts and given back to people less fortunate,” Ms Lomas explains of the influx of donations so far.
“We've had amazing donations from stakeholders in the industry, as well as a flood from everyday people who just want to help. Smart Property Investment has generously paid for us to build 10 houses, so we have our work cut out!
“We can never have too much though, so if you haven't donated yet, go to www.tabitha.org.au. Make sure that you nominate our team, 'The Property People House Builders', or we won't get your donation.”
Donation options are based around the cost of goods. For instance, a simple plank of wood costs $25 (it takes 10 planks to make each wall, roof and floor), a water well and hand pump cost $150, while a simple house costs $1,500. You can, however, donate any amount to the project. Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.
The building, taking place in October 2013, is going to families who have taken part in the Tabitha Foundation Australia program, which requires them to save US$30 as a form of payment for the property. This saving can take four to five years for the families to achieve - fairly similar to what first home buyers are facing nationally in Australia (Bankwest's First Time Buyer Deposit Report).
Covering all their own travel and accommodation costs, as well as expenses, and contributing to the costs of construction materials, every one of the team members is a volunteer.
The team currently consists of: Margaret Lomas, Reuben Lomas, Carolyn Walshe (Destiny, Gold Coast), Jim Leone (Destiny, Crows Nest), Peter Loughton (Destiny Perth), Jeanette Loughton, Debra Follett, Peter Follett, Ian Rodrigues (Bishop Collins), Jordan Rodrigues, Craig Stephens, Janine Stephens, Nigel Carr, Carolyn Brett, Amal Jayatissa (Telstra), Nilesh Patel, Lloyd and Karen James.
The payment online is through a secure portal (MasterCard Payment Gateway). Investors who would prefer to donate in another fashion, please contact [email protected], who will put you in touch with a member of the team.