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Women Build - HFH Orillia/Lake Country Building This Summer
Habitat for Humanity Orillia/Lake Country launched its first Women Build at 45 Victoria Street, Orillia with a groundbreaking ceremony on May 8th 2010. Despite the miserable weather, 64 courageous people attended the groundbreaking ceremony. The politicians were present with their umbrellas, as was the new Partner Family. A highlight of the morning was Devon, a local student who participated in a Meaning of Home Contest sponsored by Genworth Financial, reading his winning essay. The $1,000 prize he won was gladly donated to our affiliate. He had a captive audience, with many tears flowing by the time he was finished.
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Debra Lunger, Sandy MacNeil, Christina Distefano and Jeff hard at work on a Habitat home |
Half the members of the Build Committee for this project are women, as well as a female contract Site Super with many years of related experience - not to mention the many women volunteers!
The lot was generously donated by the City of Orillia, and $10,000 was provided from the Habitat for Humanity Canada Women Build Fund.
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Donna Denier & Marlene Mattson help clear the lot |
The hole was dug and the construction fence went up in May. With the foundation is in place, inspection was passed, and by the end of June the affiliate was well on the way with the sub-floor done, the fence down, and a home beginning to take shape - along with the inspirational sound of hammers. Due to the wonderful volunteer response and support, the home should be finished by late August or early September.
Besides individual volunteers, groups from local businesses have taken on "build days", including Unison Engine Components, Casino Rama Volunteer Crew, Youth Group from Guardian Angels Catholic Church, The Home Depot, RNR (Emergency Medical Transfer Service), Notre Dame Catholic School Teachers, Johnson Insurance, Simcoe Muskoka District Catholic School Board Staff, Ministry of Community & Social Services Staff, and Georgian College Students. As well, in the works are plans for a "board build day" and a "grandmother build day". Volunteers are still welcome to come out. Anyone interested should contact Carol Sharpe at sharpe_carol@yahoo.ca.
Thanks to The Home Depot who will be running in-store training sessions to help volunteers acquire the skills needed to build a safe, decent, affordable house for the local family - a mom, dad and two little boys.
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Christina Distefano & Chris Dooley prepare to dig |
~ Reported by Donna Denier, Chair Public Relations Committee, HFH Orillia/Lake Country |
