Benn the Builder off to Bangladesh

Benn Stephens will jet from Bunbury to the hills of Bangladesh this December to help build safe and affordable homes in the densely-populated and poor country.

Be t ter known to Original Bootcamp Bunbury recruits as ‘‘Sarge’’, Mr Stephens will make the trip to the city of Sylhet and join about 200 other Habitat for Humanity volunteers for the ‘‘Friendship Build’’.

The volunteers will work alongside Bangladeshi families who are determined to break out of poverty and build a better future for themselves, their families and their community.

Mr Stephens said he came across the project while ‘‘looking for something different to do’’.

‘‘I’ve never done any construction so I’ll be completely out ofmy depth in that respect but I’ll be happy lifting heavy things,’’ he said.

‘‘This will be my first time doing any overseas charity work and I’ll be living rough but that will be the challenge.’’

As part of the project each volunteer is required to donate $1500 to the charity but Mr Stephens said he was hoping to surpass that target and reach $2000.

The public are invited to join Mr Stephens at a fundraiser at the Moorabinda Croquet Club in Bunbury on Sunday, October 7.

Those interested in supporting the cause can contact Mr Stephens on the Original Bootcamp Bunbury Facebook page http://www.facebook.com///#!/originalbootcamp.bunbury.3.