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Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario Celebrating Key Ceremony in Drumbo, Oxford County


August 30, 2022 - Drumbo, ON – Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario is excited to celebrate the completion of two semi-detached homes at 165 Peterson Street, Drumbo, Ontario, and will host a Key Ceremony, in person and streaming live on Habitat Heartland Ontario's Facebook page today, August 30, 2022, at 11:00 AM. All are welcome to attend or watch, supporting Habitat Heartland's newest homeowners, Kristen and Ian, in one home and Laura in the other.  

A special thanks to the title sponsor for this build project, Toyota Motor and Manufacturing Corporation. Thank you also to CMHC and Oxford County for their continued commitment to bringing much-needed affordable homeownership opportunities to local families.  


"One of Toyota's core values is Respect for People, and that extends to the people living in our communities," said Ricardo DeSouza, Vice President of Projects at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada. "We're pleased to be able to support two more hard-working Oxford County families through this Habitat Heartland project located just 10 minutes from our manufacturing facility in Woodstock and close to home for many of our employees." Ricardo DeSouza, Vice President, Projects, Toyota Motor and Manufacturing Canada  


“Our government believes that every Canadian deserves a safe place to call home. Across the country, we are working with Habitat for Humanity to build the safe, appropriate, affordable housing necessary for healthy and sustainable communities. Here in Drumbo, the investments in these new homes will make a real difference in the lives of two hard-working families – a place they can proudly call their own.”— Lisa Hepfner, Member of Parliament for Hamilton Mountain 


The Key Ceremony will include messages from the new Habitat homeowners, local dignitaries and the Chair of the Habitat Heartland board of directors Al MacKinnon along with other supporters of the build. 


"The Key Ceremony is the best day at Habitat. Knowing that after fulfilling five hundred volunteer hours, the families will be able to move into a safe, decent and affordable home gives us purpose and propels us forward with our mission. Thank you, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, for your title sponsorship on these two homes. Without community partners, we could not achieve these results for homeowners." Alan MacKinnon - Chair, Board of Directors, Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario  


Habitat cannot build homes without the support of community partners. Future homeowners across the Habitat Heartland region benefit from Financial Literacy training provided by Libro.  


"Our very best wishes to those who are starting the next phase of their lives as homeowners. At Libro, we have a purpose beyond profit, and we are proud of our growing partnership with Habitat for Humanity. We share a vision of providing access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing for all and firmly believe that success in community impact comes from partnerships and collaboration." – Jordan Moat, Libro Regional Manager, London Elgin Oxford.  


Habitat Heartland Ontario would like to thank Oxford County and all trades and volunteers who assisted. 


"There is a growing need for affordable housing in Oxford County, as in many communities. The soaring real estate prices we witnessed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have pushed homeownership out of reach for many residents. This project in Drumbo is an excellent example of how multiple levels of government and community partners can come together to support the goal of homeownership. Oxford County is proud to support organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the semi-detached build for Laura's family and Kristen and Ian's family as part of our continued efforts to address the gap in affordable housing." Larry Martin, Oxford County Warden  


"Having a Habitat home means more to us than we can possibly say. It is a dream come true," said new homeowners, Kristen and Ian. "Without this opportunity, we would never be able to afford a house we can call our own. We are looking forward to creating many lifelong memories in our new home. We are beyond grateful for all the time, energy and hard work everyone has contributed to make this a reality."  


“Having a Habitat Home means stability; it means love”, said new homeowner Laura, "Without this opportunity from Habitat, I would not be able to provide my family a home to call our own. We look forward to paying it forward and to this next chapter in our lives.”  


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Libro employees enjoying a day on the Drumbo build site

About Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario

Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario believes everyone has the right to the confidence, security and hope a home provides. Affordable homeownership is key to building strong, equitable and thriving communities. By mobilizing volunteers and community partners, Habitat Heartland provides opportunities for families in Brant, Elgin, Middlesex, Norfolk, Oxford, and Perth counties to achieve affordable and sustainable homeownership. For more information, please visit www.habitat4home.ca 



Contacts: 

Al MacKinnon - Chair, Board of Directors amackinnon@habitat4home.ca (519) 701-5659 | Donnie Baker - Marketing Associate marketing@habitat4home.ca