KILLARNEY man Simon O'Shea is to travel to Haiti in April to take part in the Haven charity's Build it Week and he is urging Kerry schools to help support the worthwhile project.

Simon is one of 250 volunteers who will travel to the earthquake torn country to build homes, community facilities and, more importantly, hope for some of the poorest people in the western hemisphere.

Haven hopes to build 300 houses across Haiti this year and there are long term plans for many more. To assist his fund-raising campaign, Simon has called on the support of his former Ardshanavooley neighbour Colm Cooper to launch his campaign and he will be running a special fund-raising campaign, 'Kerry Schools supporting Haven Build it 2010'. The special event will take place on February 11.

Each volunteer has to raise a minimum of €4,000 before going travelling. Approximately €2,000 of this will cover flights, accommodation, food and water for the duration of Build it Week. The remainder of the funds raised will go towards building materials for the houses that will be constructed during the Build it Week.