Vanuatu Disaster Relief

Imagine What We Can Achieve Together

One Light Charity raises funds and supports Australian registered Charities, Individuals, Groups and Clubs that empower people and communities in times of vulnerability.

True life story

Simon, his wife Lomail, and their son Cassery live in the small village on the island of Ambrym, Vanuatu. Simon was one of the few people in his community who lived in a house made of concrete. Despite this, his home was not secure enough to withstand the devastating 250km/hr winds  Cyclone Pam unleashed on this small island and the rest of Vanuatu last year.

The cyclone left Simon with virtually nothing, and his family had no choice but to live in a makeshift tarpaulin shelter with temporary walls from the remnants of their old house.

Shelter kits

With the help of Habitat, Simon received a shelter kit. This kit contained wood, zinc sheet for roofing, timber for columns and beams and cyclone straps. Simon’s community also received a set of tools from Habitat that families can borrow. The borrowing of tools operates like a toy library. First, the community members request a set of repair and construction tools. Then, the community discusses and agrees on the rules for the use of the devices.

Habitat Australia will use Bartercard funding to provide:

• accommodation for the technical program staff from our Fiji office,
•  for materials in the repair kits
• house rebuilds which will take place over the months ahead.