Habitat for Humanity Recognizes longterm Support

At Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe, we strive to build safe and affordable homes for deserving families in our community. It is with the help and support from our community, that we are able to succeed. By working together we can build a stronger community for all of us to be a part of.

Since we began building homes in North Simcoe, in 2006, we have formed important and supportive relationships with many exceptional individuals. On September 9th, we took a moment to show our appreciation and properly acknowledge their meaningful contribution to our organization. For their long-term commitment and support, we sincerely thanked:

Each individual received an engraved honorary plaque, which was presented by our Chairman Gerard Lyons.

With continued support from our community, we can continue to build homes and build hope!

Thank you!

Thank You Poem by Chantal at Home Dedication

A miracle happens only once in awhile,
we just had to keep going that extra mile.
We were patient and waited a whole seven years,
now we are filled with devotion expressing in tears.
We now have something to call our own,
we finally have this place called HOME.
Overwhelmed, amazed, it's hard to explain,
we are shocked, our emotions exactly the same.
It's a beginning to a brand new start,
we are striked with amazement, this fills our heart.
We are astonished that something like this,
could happen to our family, it's a crazy twist.
This is the happily ever-after we were waiting for,
it was only our choice if we opened that door.
In the dark you showed us the light,
we now have the courage, we now have the might,
to take the next step in our brand new life.
So i'm saying this to only be true,
Habitat and Helpers we want to thank you.

By: Chantal
Age: 15.

Home Dedication and Volunteer Appreciation

"I am proud to say that another family in North Simcoe now has a decent and safe place to live," said Gerard Lyons, Chair of Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe. "Thanks to the efforts of the countless volunteers and community partners who made this build possible, another Canadian family no longer has to make the choice between shelter and other basic needs such as food and clothing."

The completion of yet another Habitat for Humanity house not only provides one family with a place to call home, but enables them to acquire assets, break the cycle of poverty and reduce their dependence on other forms of social assistance. As such, this home is not just an investment in one family, but an investment in a stronger economy and a better standard of living for all Canadians.

Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe would like to thank all the volunteers and local businesses that helped with this build.

Art Walk at the Harbour
Everyone is invited to attend the 2nd Annual "Art Walk at the Harbour" at Georgian Landing in Victoria Harbour. On June 20th and 21st, from 10-4 each day,up to 20 accomplished local artists will showcase their masterpieces. And, every sale made will help our community further address the local need for affordable housing. In addition to the show, Wycliffe Homes has organized an open competition for “photography” with the theme, "Everyone Needs a Home" which compliments the Habitat for Humanity cause. There will be a division within that of both professional and non-professional photographers, as well a youth division. The award winners will be chosen by way of “people’s choice”. Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe will receive 10% of the art sales earned during the weekend event. Last year, “Wycliffe Homes” donated $5,000.00 to help the affiliate build hope in our community. The artists themselves donated over $800.00. From these funds, the affiliate has built its 4th home in North Simcoe and its 2nd in Victoria Harbour. The selected family will have the home dedicated to them on the same weekend as "Art Walk at the Harbour". This free event has much to offer for the whole family! See you there! Contest Details

AGM Notice
Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe will be having their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, May 14, 2009. It will be from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. The location is at St. Mary's Church, 266 Albert St., Victoria Harbour. Sandwiches and refreshments will be served.

REALTORS® Donate to Habitat for Humanity
Members of the Southern Georgian Bay Real Estate Association (SGBREA) are pleased to present a cheque to Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe. REALTORS® raised the funds from a Silent Auction which was held at their annual Awards Night.

Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe is a local, non-profit organization that works hard to provide safe, decent and affordable housing. The affiliate has built four homes to-date and is currently finishing their fifth one in Victoria Harbour. With more than 1,000 local families in need of affordable housing, the SGBREA is pleased to make a meaningful contribution. Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe will continue to build hope for local families, one house at a time.

Pictured bellow from left to right is Linda Tucker, President of SGBREA, presenting the cheque to Kate Arnold, of Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe.

Home Depot Supports Habitat Build
Since 1996, The Home Depot has been the largest supporter of Habitat for Humanity in Canada and currently donates over $3 million in funding and product and thousands of volunteer hours each year to affordable housing projects. In 2007, The Home Depot launched its Buy a House, Build a Home Paper House Campaign where customers can purchase paper houses for $2 in every Home Depot store across the country to show their commitment to affordable housing for all Canadians. All funds raised go to Habitat for Humanity for affordable housing projects. Throughout 2008, The Home Depot supported more than 40 Habitat for Humanity projects, focusing on the creation of sustainable, energy-efficient homes that provide lasting benefits to families in need.

Most recently, The Home Depot Canada participated in Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe's build, located in Victoria Harbour. On February 4, 2009, there were 23 Home Depot volunteers from Midland, Parry Sound and Collingwood who leant their helping hands. The enthusiastic volunteers insulated and vapour barriered the attic, upstairs and lower level of the home at 114 William Street. Helping hands are not all that The Home Depot Canada contributed to the local affiliate. Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe is also a proud recipient of a $25,000 grant that goes directly towards their current build. Together, The Home Depot Canada and Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe are addressing the local need for safe, decent and affordable housing.

Habitat Snow Fort Contest
Sugar Ridge hosted its 2nd Annual Snow Fort Contest during Winterfest 2009. Local residents were challenged to a build-off at the retreat centre, with proceeds donated to Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe. Several competitive teams worked together to build the forts under a sunny sky and on environmentally protected land. Each competitor enjoyed fresh cookies and warm hot chocolate to commend their efforts. It is planned that the contest will be an annual event, having the proceeds help local families realize the dream of owning their own home.