A group of Bermudian student volunteers will be heading off to India next month to help build homes in poverty-stricken communities.The “adventure of a lifetime” has been organised by Bermuda Overseas Missions (BOM) in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity International — and the financial backing of many Bermuda sponsors.BOM president David Thompson will lead a team of 38 local volunteers to Kerala, India, next month to build six homes for families who are struggling on the poverty line.And earlier this week the charity was “thrilled” to receive a $20,000 donation from reinsurer Validus.Mr Thompson said: “We are excited about our trip to southern India where we plan to build at least six homes. The subcontinent mission will offer an amazing opportunity for our volunteers to assist families in need and at the same time offer the adventure of a lifetime.“With 60 percent of our volunteers being local students, this trip will impact the lives of these young Bermudians for many years to come. In fact, 100 percent of the fundraising goes towards this trip and helps these students travel off-island, many of whom might not ordinarily be able to afford such a trip.“Volunteers contribute their own labour, or sweat equity, and funds raised help pay for construction materials and the cost of building homes for these impoverished families.”Accepting the cheque from Validus, Mr Thompson heaped praise on the charity’s numerous sponsors who had made the project possible.“We are thrilled with this generous donation from Validus,” Mr Thompson said. “Their caring partnership with BOM reflect their commitment to helping local Bermudians from all backgrounds, ages and faiths, to participate in hands-on opportunities to make a difference in our world.“With this significant gift, and through the amazing support of many other corporate and individual donations, we are able to build bridges of cultural awareness, develop new friendships and renew our faith, with practical caring actions.”Jerome Dill, of Validus Group, added: “Validus is delighted to support the efforts of our colleagues at Bermuda Overseas Missions and to sponsor the construction of homes in India. Our donation reflects our belief in the core mission of BOM and its work to construct homes in communities where a critical need exists.”As part of this year’s fund-raising efforts, BOM will be hosting a Bollywood-themed dinner on June 22 at BHS. With dinner prepared by House of India and a Silent Auction this will be the charity’s most important fund raiser before its mission to India. Tickets for the ‘BOM goes Bollywood’ dinner may be purchased at www.ptix.bm or by contacting David Thompson at 705-4600.