Habitat For Humanity's Carter Work Project led by former US President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalynn, together with Asian celebrities like Jet Li, and over 3000 volunteers have built and repaired 166 homes along the Mekong River which runs in four countries namely Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos
Jet Li was seen building a house last Tuesday (November 16) and has signed a memorandum of understanding outlining a partnership between Habitat for Humanity Asia Pacific and his One Foundation.
Li stated: "I believe government has a responsibility, corporations have a responsibility, and regular citizens have a responsibility." He further stated: "We should all help each other. Everybody can do a little bit. … Everybody has a wonderful heart. They just need to know how to help."
A couple of days after (November 19), Maria Elena "Ballsy" Cruz-Aquino, the daughter of former Philippines President Cory Aquino, together with 30+ Filipino volunteers, was also seen building a house in honor of her late mom. Jimmy Carter himself has named the house "Cory Freedom House."
The two former presidents had known each other back in the late 70s/early 80s when Carter had talked to the then Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos to spare Cory's husband, Ninoy, from firing squad.
Kanchit Suthimetheesakul, the future homeowner of the dubbed Cory Freedom House, has shown excitement in finally owning a house. His wife, Nasee, has stated of his husband: "He's too happy. He's overflowing with happiness. We never dreamed of having our own house." Nasee further said: "I don't want the house to be completed yet, because I want everybody to stay longer., When it is done, this will be everybody’s house, not just ours. We are all friends now."
Sources:
habitat.org, TV Patrol World