We had intended making this announcement during the blitz this November, however as news of this announcement was imminent to break in the South African media, we decided to make the announcement ourselves by talking to the Irish Times on Friday Night last, who gave it front page coverage on Saturday.

During our Blitz this November, we will be celebrating the construction of over 20,000 houses being completed and 100,000 poor South Africans now living in decent homes, instead of shacks. It is our collective effort that made this possible.

I would also reassure you and ask that you reassure others that WE ARE NOT CLOSING AND WE STILL NEED YOU FOR THE FUTURE FOR OTHER WORTHWHILE PROJECTS!

Firstly, let me technically explain our entities.
Ireland: Niall Mellon Township Trust (NMTT) Turnover 2010: 3.0m / 2011: 2.2m
South Africa: Mellon Housing Initiative (MHI) Turnover 2011: 21.7m / 2011: 26.1m
Combined Turnover 2011: 28.3m

The South African Government have made big increases to their housing budget programme in recent years and it has now become clear they are committed to continuing that. As a result of this, our sister charity which was formed for the purpose of building the actual houses, no longer requires financial support from Ireland.

On 17th May 2012 this year I made a strong case to the board of NMTT in Dublin I wanted to find another worthwhile purpose for our NMTT volunteers to help. I presented the reasons that our volunteers funds were no longer needed for the housing problem in South Africa and as such we had reached our goal and should cease with the heartfelt knowledge that as many, we had achieved so much.

The board debated this at length at two meetings and a unanimous decision was taken in agreement.

We are now actively looking at other needy causes, of which there are many, and will make an announcement on the exciting new country in November for our 2013 trip. We are keen to continue giving all our volunteers a vehicle to help make a difference in the lives of poor people. That is a noble and worthwhile endeavour and one that has enriched all our lives over the past decade, and one that we want to continue as long as it is viable.

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR OUR NEW DESTINATION. Your application will be accepted subject to you being willing for the dates and choice of country.

To build 3,000 or 4,000 houses a year requires working capital. Mellon Housing Inititiave (MHI) is the South African sister entity that builds the houses and that entity will take a number of years to either wind down or find a new direction to utilise its skills and experience. It is likely to continue building a number of thousand additional houses while it works out its final purpose and the best role it can play in supporting the delivery of housing objectives.

As mentioned to many of you previously, your donation monies can be used to provide housing for poor people on the continent of Africa. That is particularly relevant now as we plan to expand beyond South Africa with your help. We are also considering projects unrelated to just housing.

I want to thank all of you for all the effort you have made over several years.
It will be my privilege to thank all of you in Cape Town.

Together we housed 100,000 people,

Regards,
Niall
Voluntary CEO, Niall Mellon Township Trust

If you wish to call the office on 01 6424600 and ask for Lucy she can give you more information on becoming a Therapeutic Handcare Volunteer Practitioner.

Regards,

Criona