A HELPING hand is stretching across the globe to India as construction of the Ivy at Picnic Point in Maroochydore takes shape.
The Kratzmann Group’s latest development is already making a huge impact on families in the Bawana slum of New Delhi, partnering with global charities B1G1 and Habitat for Humanity to build a home for every apartment sold at the Maroochydore waterfront site.
The limited eight-storey luxury apartments are nearing completion with 29 of 37 sold, almost securing the goal to construct 37 homes in India.
The Kratzmann Group manager Mark Kratzmann said he was hoping to sell the remaining eight before completion so they could build more homes for people living in unhygienic and unhealthy conditions.
“Not only can someone purchase a luxury home of their own in a prime location, overlooking the breathtaking Maroochy River, but they can move in knowing they’re changing the lives of people in desperate need of safe shelter,” Mr Kratzmann, who is White Ribbon Australia national ambassador, said.
“It brings a great sense of satisfaction and gratitude when you can transform someone’s life in such an enormous way.
“Zamila and her husband Ali Aula were living in a makeshift house with a plastic sheet, bamboo poles and temporary brick walls … Shehnaz and her husband Md Naushad worked extremely hard to buy a plot but couldn’t afford to build, which meant they lived in rented accommodation for around three years.”
The two families are the first to move into their homes with construction starting on a further four homes in March 2020, with the rest to be rolled out in the following 12-18 months.
“The standard of living in those parts of India are poor and confronting,” Mr Kratzmann said.
“When you see it first-hand, with two-year-olds jumping over open sewers to enter their current dwelling, it’s impossible to turn a blind eye and come back to the privileged life we take for granted in this country. That’s why this project is at the core of what makes the Ivy at Picnic Point special.
“Our owners are very fortunate to live in a beautiful location in Queensland, so instead of taking it for granted, we’re making sure that we do the best we can do to provide safe shelter and running water for those in need.”
Tony and Sue Wilshire, who were first to buy one of the Maroochydore apartments, said Ivy designers had thought of their every need at this stage of life, including a lap pool, steam room, and premium facilities, and the cherry on top was knowing the developer also has a robust social conscience and company mission.
“We didn’t know anything about Habitat for Humanity when we first decided to purchase one of the apartments but since then we have become an advocate for this developer and their core company values,” Mr Wilshire said.
“We’re more than happy that with our retirement purchase, we are ensuring another family also gains a true home as well.”
Mr Wilshire, who is the Apex Foundation vice-chairman, is a huge supporter of people from underprivileged backgrounds, particularly children.
“It was exciting to hear the first two residents, who have moved in to their homes in New Delhi, are happy, healthy and safe,” he said.
Article by Sunshine Coast Daily, Tuesday 1st October, 2019
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