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Even if you don't have children returning to school this autumn, for many of us the changing of the season still seems to call back to the days of pencil boxes and bagged lunches. And here at Habitat, "back to school season" is yet another reminder of
why we build.
Habitat for Humanity kids are more engaged in their schooling and more likely to pursue higher education. A safe and stable home promotes a stable routine, allowing children time to focus on their studies.
An affordable home enables a parent to purchase school supplies, without worrying about sacrificing other necessities.
For former Habitat homeowner
Kenna Elford, a partnership with Habitat contributed directly to educational outcomes for both her and her son. "I was able to help my son through college," says Elford. "He is now a 3rd year Plumber Apprentice and doing great! I also went back to school and am now successfully self-employed."
Even for those of us who are no longer students, fall acts as a reminder that it is never too late to learn something new or break out of old habits. This September, we start another round of
'Invest in Yourself,' a free financial planning course open to the public. You could also use the changing season as an opportunity to learn new skills though volunteer work, like
Mary Stokes, who learned to build by volunteering with Habitat.
Every Habitat house changes lives: those of the families who help build them and pay an affordable mortgage and all those who offer them a hand up in a time of need. This fall, consider giving back to give these local families the fresh start and the hand up that could transform their lives forever.
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Prior to last year, Mary Stokes had no construction experience. Now, she's one of the most familiar faces on Habitat for Humanity's 477 Hilchey Road build site.
"I wanted to learn how to build and I wanted to do some volunteer work. My partner suggested Habitat, and I thought it sounded perfect, but then I thought, 'I don't know a thing about building. I'll just be in the way.'"
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Read our best stories from 2016, including the stories of our local Habitat homeowners.
These documents can be viewed online, or downloaded as a PDF.
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Build Update
477 HILCHEY, CAMPBELL RIVER
: The first 2 of 11 homes are essentially complete and just needing landscaping and fencing. We hope to have our homeowners in these homes by the end of October. The entire 1-acre lot is currently being serviced with utilities and roadways, so other build activities have stopped for now. In our PreFab shop next to the CR ReStore we have completed the walls for the next duplex. Further construction in CR may be on hold until spring as we await additional permitting.
1330 LAKE TRAIL ROAD, COURTENAY:
We had the third reading of our application at Courtenay City Council on Sept. 5 and are awaiting final approval for Development Permits and Rezoning. IF those approvals come through by mid-October, there is a possibility that we may be able to start clearing and servicing the lot.
If you would like to be notified when we are ready to recruit volunteers for the Lake Trail Build, please sign up on our Volunteer Matrix and you will be emailed with the news.
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Featuring live music from Best Day Ever |
November 4th
Dance for Humanity is a foot-loose, roof-raising fundraising dance for those who want to rock out to live music while helping to get local families into safe, decent, and affordable homes.
Highlights will include a live and silent auction, photo booth, games and of course, the 50/50 raffle.
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September 26th - October 24th
We still have a few spots left for the upcoming iteration of our free financial planning course, Invest in Yourself. Learn how to get out of debt, stay out of debt, and save for your future with Habitat and the professionals at the Coastal Community Credit Union. This round of classes in at North Island College, Comox Valley.
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October 2nd
Join us at the ReStore (Comox Valley or Campbell River) to celebrate World Habitat Day on October 2nd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be complimentary coffee and cake, as well as the opportunity to learn about volunteer opportunities, build projects, and family selection.
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October 10th - November 30th
The
Meaning of Home
contest invites Grade 4, 5 and 6 students from across Canada to submit a written essay about what
home
means to them.
Genworth
Canada donates $10 per entry and the winner gets to direct a $50,000 grant from
Genworth
Canada to a Habitat build of their choice.
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'Get Away or Stay' Raffle
Draw Date: December 15th
Enter to win two return tickets anywhere that WestJet flies, all while raising money for affordable housing!
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She Shed Raffle
Sales start September 25th | Draw Date: December 15th
Tickets for our She Shed raffle go on sale today! The shed is currently available to view at the Comox Valley ReStore, and it may just be our most beautiful one yet.
A huge shout out to Doug Goodwin and the following volunteers who worked so hard to help with construction: Dave Sherstone, Astrid Luebke, Craig Tuka, David Purvis, Mark Lake, Katie Lake, Wayne Tedder and Jorgen Anderson.
Thank you to Kelly and Denise for adding the final decorating touches with our 'Cowgirl Chic' design theme, featuring a ReStore treasures. Gratitude to to Faye Friesen for
donating
a beautiful handmade throw made by her friend.
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Welcome to our new staff members
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| Left: Donna-Marie; Right: Michele |
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Donna-Marie Lamb,
Campbell River ReStore General Manager
Donna-Marie has an extensive retail background including Zellers, Home Depot, Target, and, most recently, as the Assistant Manager of Service for Staples, Campbell River. She has lead community volunteering initiatives at three of her past organizations and has also been chair of the Joint Health and Safety Committee as well as a community leader in Scouts Campbell River. She is also on the Special Olympic committee, supporting their special events when needed.
Michele Vanderwoude,
Campbell River Volunteer Manager
Michele has her Masters in Public Administration and, in addition to her passion for building community through volunteerism, she has worked extensively in communications, logistics, and learning and development for the BC Provincial Government at the Ministry of Children and Development and with the Strathcona Regional District of Campbell River.
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Volunteer Opportunities:
Cashier/Merchandiser
The Campbell River ReStore is in need of volunteers to work as cashiers and/or merchandisers. Do you want to make new friends, use your creativity, and help out the community? This is the job for you! Contact CR Volunteer Manager Michele Vanderwoude at [email protected] or (250) 830-1493 x224 for more information.
Writing Contest Champion
We are looking for individuals who could help us promote the annual Genworth Meaning of Home Writing Contest to local schools. Much of this work can be done from home and would require initial phone contact and/or email correspondence. Resource materials will be supplied and your own transportation is required.
Interested? Please contact CV Volunteer Manager Terri Perrin at [email protected] or 250-218-4952.
Raffle Ticket Sellers
Volunteers are needed to sell WestJet raffle tickets at the airport for the entire month of October and for the Charles Dickens Craft Faire at the Florence Filberg Centre November 10 - 12. Please sign up and pick what shifts you would like to help with on line.
Click here.
Questions or concerns about the online sign up? Please see Terri or call 250-218-4952 during office hours.
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Did you know you can donate your
Quality Foods Q-points to Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North? They will be used to purchase food for
team appreciation and build events.
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Union Street Grill & Grotto is running a promotion this month that allows frequent diners to donate 10% of their bill, and enter their charity of choice into a draw for the proceeds. Learn more. |
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Stay in touch! Follow us on social media:
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