Charity

Charity really does begin at home for fundraising West Sussex family

- 02 Nov 18

Looking to raise £2,000 as part of a project to build a house for orphans in South Africa, the Netherwood family in West Sussex found some help close to home.

Very close, in fact, and they are now well on the way to achieving their fundraising target with the support of Bovis Homes – who built the family’s own brand-new property in Littlehampton.

It was just after moving into their four-bed at Hampton Park that dad-of-two Andrei formulated his plan to make a difference to lives thousands of miles away.

“We had moved into this lovely new property and it does make you think how lucky you are,” said public sector worker Andrei, 44, who shares the home with wife Tasmin, 42, children Marissa, 11 and Ashton, 9, and cat Whisky, 18.

“We have always wanted the kids to understand that we are very fortunate and to be aware of poverty and how some people have to struggle to survive.

“Through some friends we found out about Coco’s Foundation, which runs special projects that allow people from the UK to support African orphans by raising money for materials and then going out to help build the homes themselves.

“We’d developed a really great relationship with the team at Hampton Park, so given the obvious links between what we wanted to do and what Bovis Homes do for a living, I thought I’d ask them – and we’ve been absolutely blown away by their generosity.”

Bovis Homes has donated £500 towards the Netherwoods' target
Bovis Homes’ £500 donation means the Netherwoods are well on the way to achieving their fundraising target and are looking forward to the day that they can go out, meet the people in need of a new home, and get stuck into building it along with local builders.

Bovis Homes regional marketing manager Candice McCabe said: “When Andrei explained what their plan was, we were delighted to help. A safe, secure home is a precious thing, and we’re proud to play a part in supporting this great cause and wish them all the best.

“We’ve also donated some Bovis Homes polo shirts for the build team to wear, so we look forward to seeing them being put to good use during the construction, and to seeing photos of people moving in – which is sure to be a special moment.”

If you would like to donate to the Netherwood cause then please visit their JustGiving page at ‘The Netherwoods orphan house build’.