HFHC's Newest Vice-Regal Patron - Governor General, David Johnston!

We are very happy to share with you photos of HFHC’s newest vice-regal patron, the Right Honourable Governor General, David Johnston in action on the William’s Way/Weston Road build site in Toronto. The Governor General spent a couple of hours on the site, working hard on the newest phase of housing, meeting the volunteers and families moving into their homes that have just been finished recently.

The Early Bird prize draw for Habitat’s ReStorative fundraiser has been drawn and the winners are Matt Arnold (BBQ) and Bob Megaw (Bookcase/library unit). Both winners bought a ticket to help Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe build a 5th Habitat home. Congratulations to them both!

The Early Bird prizes may be gone but there is still a $3,000 travel voucher up for grabs, along with 16 other amazing prizes. The final draw will take place on September 4 at the Midland ReStore. Only 3,000 tickets have been printed, for $20 each, with 100% of the ticket sales going towards building a 5th Habitat home! Everyone is guaranteed to be a winner when they buy a ticket, because they will be a part of something big!

Community partners and volunteers have joined together to break the cycle of poverty for another family by helping sell tickets. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Midland ReStore (253 Whitfield Crescent), Fast Forward Audio Video, Midland Home Building Centre, Midland TIM-BR MART, Meridian Credit Union and Penetanguishene TD Canada Trust.

Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe has an important mission: to build affordable homes to sell to low-income, hardworking families, giving children a safe and decent place to live. The local Habitat affiliate and the Midland ReStore is hammering out a plan to build its 5th affordable home. Their plan starts with a special ticket! This February, the Midland ReStore launched a ReStorative raffle fundraiser and the excitement is building. Thanks to Midland Home Building Centre, Midland TimBR-MART and Terri’s Travel Ltd., a $3,000 travel voucher is the grand prize. Both Bob Bray and Kevin Mateff agreed that it was a great feeling to stand beside each other as sponsors. Only 3,000 tickets are available to purchase, for $20 each, with 100% of the ticket sales going towards building a 5th Habitat home! With 16 other great prizes to win, there is something for everyone. Every ticket holder is guaranteed to be a winner because they’ll be a partner in something big!

Since 2002, Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe has built 4 homes locally for low-income, working families, who meet the criteria get interest-free mortgages geared to their income. “We truly give these families a hand-up, not a hand-out, when we help them build and buy their very own home”, said Amanda Olsheskie, Public Relations Chair. The chances for these families to save a down-payment and own a home are not promising. With their earnings barely covering living expenses they do not qualify for a conventional mortgage. “Our organization is proof that when volunteers and community partners are mobilized, we have the ability to build a house and to make a dream come true”.

Community partners and volunteers have joined together to break the cycle of poverty for another family by helping sell tickets. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Midland ReStore (253 Whitfield Crescent), Fast Forward Audio Video, Midland Home Building Centre, Midland TIM-BR MART, Meridian Credit Union, Penetanguishene TD Canada Trust and The Library Restaurant.

***Photo Provided - Proud Sponsors of Grand Prize (from, left to right) Kevin Mateff and Bob Bray)

Home Dedication and Volunteer Appreciation

When Habitat for Humanity builds a home, certain materials are required: lumber, drywall, and supportive relationships that make building homes possible for the local nonprofit.

Building affordable homes for low-income, hardworking families is the cornerstone to Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe’s mission. The foundation of their success lies in building meaningful, community relationships.

“This year we recognized a number of our long-term community supporters with honorary plaques, handcrafted by our talented volunteers. Our supporters have helped us build four homes, transforming the lives of four families and more than ten children. The real impact of their contribution is immeasurable,” explains Amanda Olsheskie, Habitat’s Public Relations Chair.

Today, Habitat is recognizing Fred Hacker for his generous and ongoing support. Hacker has been the organization’s Honorary Chairman since the local affiliate was formed in 2001.

When asked why he was nominated for the position, Hacker teases, “I think I was the last person they asked.” Nearly nine years later, he continues to show a commitment and dedication to the local nonprofit, acting as the Master of Ceremonies at all home dedications and providing legal services among many other important and valued duties.

Despite Hacker’s modesty, there’s no question why Habitat requested that he be their Honourary Chairman; an advocate for community volunteerism, Hacker has been actively giving back to the community for more than 35 years.

“This community has been very good to me. I feel I owe the community much more than I’m capable of giving back”, comments Hacker, further adding, “a community is built by its people and the connections made between them”.

Olsheskie could not agree more, “without the generous support of our community, we could not have broken the cycle of poverty with four local families. With the help of Habitat supporters and volunteers, families have moved from surviving to thriving!” To learn more about Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe and how you can get involved, visit the organization’s website at habitatnorthsimcoe.on.ca.

**Photo provided - from left to right (Amanda Olsheskie, Fred Hacker, Kate Arnold).