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First Hammer of Hope Bike Ride – 590 KM!
The hammer that is traditionally used for driving nails was carried in a new way during Habitat for Humanity's first annual 'Hammer of Hope Ride' from Waterloo to Ottawa on April 24th to April 27th 2010. Terry Petkau, Director of Building Services at Habitat's National office, strapped a hammer to his road bike and cycled 590 KM in four days that combined sunshine, rain and tough headwinds. Nine other riders also joined portions of the Ride to add their support to Terry and the 'Hammer of Hope' cause.
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Terry Petkau and the other riders of the first annual 'Hammer of Hope Ride' |
This event was linked to one of Habitat's main goals of extending HOPE to people in need and is illustrated so eloquently by Habitat's founder, Millard Fuller, in his book The Theology of the Hammer. Fuller described the hammer as an instrument to express one's faith in action and all are invited to use their hammer to contribute to the elimination of poverty housing both locally and globally.
The Hammer of Hope Ride raised nearly $15,000 in support of Habitat's GREEN building initiatives and also contributed to Habitat's long term rebuilding initiatives in Haiti following the devastating earthquake in January 2010. An added highlight was the opportunity to present the commemorative hammer to Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources & Skills Development at an MP Reception held in Ottawa on Thursday, May 29th during HFHC's AGM.
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Terry Petkau presents Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources
& Skills Development, with the commemorative hammer |
Habitat for Humanity Canada is very interested in 'Energy Poverty' as rising utility costs are stripping away at families' limited income making life even more challenging for many low income Canadians. HFHC is all about providing a "hand up" for low income households and at the same time we seek to build GREEN energy efficient and environmentally responsible homes with our partner families. HFHC considers the added cost of building GREEN as an investment. These GREEN homes are more affordable to operate and are healthier living environments, not to mention reducing our impact on our natural environment.
Keep an eye out for opportunities to support Habitat's ongoing work through future Hammer of Hope events in your community. |
