Ricky Martin has donated an undisclosed amount to help Habitat for Humanity International (www.habitat.org) provide homes for tsunami victims in Thailand.

Martin, who visited the disaster area following the December tidal wave, has partnered with Habitat to build and restore 224 homes, which will enable more than 1,000 disaster victims to move out of temporary shelters or overcrowded camps, a spokesman for Habitat for Humanity said Wednesday. The donation will come from the Ricky Martin Foundation, which combats the abuse and exploitation of children, human trafficking and related issues.

Habitat spokesman Joedy Isert said the foundation asked that the amount not be disclosed, but he added: "It's a significant contribution."

Habitat has built more than 470 homes in Thailand since it began working there in 1998. "Solidarity transcends borders, race and cultures," said Angel Saltos, executive director of the foundation, based in San Juan, Puerto Rico. "This case is an excellent model of how governments and the private sector can successfully unite for the well being of humanity."

Paul Leonard, chief executive of the global nonprofit homebuilding charity, said Martin's gift mirrors Habitat's mission "to demonstrate love through action." "His gift will help rebuild not only homes, but families who lost more than possessions in the tidal surge," Leonard said.

source: The Associated Press