Habitat GTA's 2014 Fall/Winter Newsletter

FALL / WINTER 2014

Inside:Introducing our New

Board of Directors.

2014 Gingerbread Build

Build a "Home Sweet Home"

Meet Our Partner FamiliesLearn about their journey towards homeownership.

NEXT ISSUE: SPRING 2015

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#DaretoDip with the Polar Bear Dip founders Ian, Keith and Mike.

Read more on page 6.

Happy 10th Anniversary!

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Title

What a year! As we are about to close another year, it is always a wonderful time to think of our mission, those who make it possible and to look back at our accomplishments, while looking forward to the work ahead.

2014 has been a year of substantial change, growth and milestone achievements for Habitat GTA. Our three regions of Brampton Caledon, Toronto and York Region, have gained significant traction in areas of land acquisition and construction efforts. All three regions each celebrated groundbreakings this year, in addition to the opening of a new ReStore in Bolton.

The year has also seen tremendous support from our community and government partners with the donation of land by the Region of Peel, Manulife’s renewed three-year commitment to Habitat GTA’s volunteer program and many more examples of giving.

Habitat brings together so many caring individuals who make the work of our organization possible. The dedication of our volunteers, our valued community partners, our incredible staff and our partner families are what have, and continue to fuel our growth and successes throughout the year. This display of teamwork and of neighbour helping neighbour, have inspired individuals and communities to give in more ways than ever before, whether as volunteers giving their time, sharing our stories through our social media sites, or the giving donations in order to build homes.

As you read this newsletter, I invite you to celebrate these milestones and successes of which you have been a fundamental part. We are keen to build on them for 2015 and beyond, and look to our goals ahead to deliver on our commitment to help improve the lives of more families across the GTA. We have much to celebrate, more to build!

I look forward to seeing many of you in the events detailed in this newsletter.

Ene UnderwoodCEO of Habitat for Humanity GTA

Much to celebrate, more to build!

HFH GTA'S 1ST ANNUAL BOARD BUILD DAY AT THE HABITAT HOME BUILDING FACILITY.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Torbram Road Brampton Caledon

Volunteers are working on raising the third floor walls on three homes, and will begin framing and capping floors for another five homes.

Brimley Road Toronto

The roofs are ready to be installed on six homes at the end of October. Volunteers have begun framing on the remaining nine homes.

Refurbished condos Toronto

Volunteers have begun work on 903 Albion Road, in preparation for the family move-in, this November.

Metro Road Georgina, York Region

Interior floors have been installed and volunteers will begin wall framing on this single home in late October.

To build with us in Brampton Caledon, Toronto, or York Region, visit habitatgta.ca.

2 FALL/WINTER 2014

Maria and her daughter, Sky, are eager to spend time with loved ones in their new home.

Home to Maria Wood means love and joy. When asked about why she wants to own a Habitat home, Maria said, “It would be better for us, my daughter especially. It means a better life.” They currently live in a dark and cold space that needs several repairs. Their apartment is very small with not enough room to invite friends and family.

Maria first heard about Habitat while she lived in a domestic violence shelter in the United States. Before being approved for a Habitat home, Maria felt “isolated” and believed that owning a new house could give her daughter, confidence and improve her self-esteem. Like all parents, she wants the best for her daughter and hopes that her daughter can fulfill her dreams by uti-lizing her talents in arts and music.

In her new home, Maria is looking forward to spending time with her family, planning barbeques, watching movies and volunteering with Habitat. The first thing she will do once in her new home, is invite her family over for a big meal. Maria and her daughter plan to complete their sweat equity hours by volunteering on site and at the ReStore.

Mohammed and Fozia Ali are hardworking parents with four children, under the age of 12.

“Everything” says Mohammed Ali “is what a new Habitat GTA home means to my family.”

For the past 20 years, Mohammed has been working to ensure that his family has a safe, decent shelter above their heads. However, the high cost of living has made it difficult to save for a home. Ali lives with his wife Fozia, who is currently pursuing higher education, and their four children, who are all under the age of 12. Presently, they live in a crowded, two-bedroom apartment in an unsafe neighbourhood.

“We were just wishing one day we would have a better place and better area to live.”

Owning a Habitat GTA home will provide this hard-working family with the safety, security, and stability needed in or-der for their children to eventually discover and pursue their dreams. “Our kids will have their rooms, which will be very good for studying, reading and all their activities. It is our dream.”

Mohammed and Fozia will work together reach their 500 sweat equity hours. Once in their new home they will first try to make their children’s rooms as comfortable as possible.

Cesidio and Rosemarie Lippa, have a place to call home for their two young girls.

Something as simple as “a place where you can feel comfortable cooking breakfast in your pajamas,” is what Cesidio and Rosemarie have always dreamed of for their family. On June 26, 2014 the Lippa family received their keys to their new Habitat home, built in partnership with The Daniels Corporation.

The Lippa Family previously lived in an unhealthy, mold-infested environment, with little space to raise their two young children Loryanne and Lueyanne. Their dream was to own a home that provides their children with safety and comfort. This is very important for Cesidio and Rosemarie.

With only one income, the Lippas met many challenges when looking for a home. “It was really difficult to get approval for a mortgage in our situation. Given the opportunity to now own a home, we have hope for a better life,” says Cesidio. Now in their new Habitat home, both Cesidio and Rosemarie are looking forward to enrolling their daughters in daycare and activities such as swimming and skating.

FAMILY PROFILES

The Wood Family The Ali Family The Lippa FamilyMARIA WOOD (RIGHT) AND DAUGHTER SKY (LEFT). MOHAMMED AND FOZIA ALI, ALONG WITH THEIR

FOUR CHILDREN.CESIDIO AND ROSEMARIE LIPPA, ALONG WITH THEIR DAUGHTERS LORYANNE AND LUEYANNE.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GREATER TORONTO AREA / Foundations 3

“Fullfilling” is how Rik Aikman, a retired high school teacher, describes his 10 years as a Volunteer Crew Leader at Habitat.

Rik spends most of his volunteer hours on the build site, occasionally lending a hand at the Brampton ReStore. In addition to his work at Habitat, he also commits his time to the Regeneration Breakfast program at Grace United Church, in downtown Brampton, where they provide breakfast seven days-a-week for those less fortunate. On top of all of this, Rik is the current President of the men’s curling club at Chinguacousy Curling club in Brampton. Talk about dedication!

When asked why he continues to volun-teer with Habitat he says, “the experience of working with partner families, the enthu-siasm of his fellow crew leaders and high school coop students, are all reasons that I continue to volunteer.”

Without the effort and dedication of crew leaders like Rik, Habitat would not be able to make the dream of homeownership a reality for deserving families in the GTA. Thank you Rik!

Marc Dipchan began volunteering at the Newmarket ReStore in November 2011.

During his time there, he could see the impact the organization had on the com-munity, and wanted to be more involved. He then came across a new opportunity at Habitat, to assist with outreach and special events as a Habitat Ambassador. Marc provided advocacy and awareness to members of the community regarding the Habitat mission to end the cycle of poverty.

Then, in August of 2014, Marc became a member of the family selection committee. He felt this allowed him a voice and an opportunity to assist a family in becoming homeowners. “I know first-hand the nega-tive effects poverty can have on families,” says Marc.

Marc is strongly supportive of the Habitat GTA mission and we are grateful for his commitment and dedication. Thank you Marc!

Rik Aikman Oana Tanasescu Marc Dipchan

VOLUNTEER PROFILES

Crew LeaderYork RegionTorontoBrampton Caledon

Office Volunteer ReStore Volunteer

Oana Tanasescu began volunteering with Habitat GTA'sToronto office this year, because she wanted to focus on develop-ing her customer service skills.

Her responsibilities include, answering phones, checking emails, and booking pickups for the ReStores. She heard about Habitat GTA by searching for volunteer opportunities online and was impressed with how Habitat GTA’s work makes such a difference in the local community.

Oana’s future goals include working at a travel agency, with the hope that her customer service experience at Habitat will help her along the way. After a few months off, Oana will be going back to school and wants to be able to integrate what she has learned from her time at Habitat into her schooling. We are thrilled to have you Oana, thank you!

SAVE THE DATE! Volunteer Appreciation celebrations will be held April, 2015. To stay up to date on all volunteer information, email [email protected].

4 FALL/WINTER 2014

Join Habitat’s CREW!Building Homes. Building Hope.

Time well spent: Learn and develop building skills at your own pace; meet like-minded people living in your community; get active; and help build safe, decent, and affordable homes for families living in need.

Time well served: Simply commit to volunteering on our build sites and watch how your hard work and dedication help make poverty housing history, one family at a time.

Join our volunteer team... We’re in this together.


Contact us for more information at Jeff Abraham, Volunteer Development Coordinator

(416) 755-7353 x278 | habitatgta.ca/crew

Volunteer Program Sponsor

Special thanks to:

On January 1st, 2015, the Toronto Polar Bear Club and Habitat for Humanity GTA will celebrate our 10th annual Polar Bear Dip!

Date: Thursday, January 1, 2015 at 12:00 pm Location: Sunnyside Beach, Toronto Price: All participants are asked to raise a minimum of $30.

Join the Toronto Polar Bear Club and hundreds of other hardy Canadians and ring in the New Year with a daring plunge in the icy waters of Lake Ontario. Your courage and fundraising efforts help provide simple, decent and affordable homes for families living in need.

Register now at torontopolarbear.com to prove your brawn! You can sign up as an individual, create a team, or join a team. Don't dare dip? Be a team player and sign up to fundraise only.

Don't forget to tell everyone that you're daring to dip! Drop some dip shout-outs on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtags #topolarbearclub #daretodip.

Polar Bear Dip

Gingerbread Build

EVENTS

Thank you to this year’s presenting sponsor:

Join the fun as we kick-off the holiday season by building a “home sweet home” at Habitat’s 12th annual Gingerbread Build. This family-friendly holiday party includes gingerbread building, festive décor, fun activities, holiday beverages, children’s prizes and a visit from Santa… all in the name of helping others!

Can’t join us? Host your own Gingerbread Build Party by picking up your kit(s) in advance. We’ve got lots of ideas for your family, school, church or office party!

To host a school, church group, or corporate gingerbread holiday party,contact Sally Ding at [email protected] or (416) 755-7353 x256. To learn about event sponsorship: contact Stefanie Crispino at [email protected] or (416) 755-7353 x261.

When: Saturday Dec. 6 & Sunday Dec. 7 2014

Where: Challenge Zone, Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Rd, Toronto

Price: $50 per kit (Gourmet gingerbread kits include a house, two gingerbread cookies, lots of icing, a toolbox full of candy and a charitable tax receipt).

Early Bird Special: 10% off orders before Nov. 15th, 2014

How: Purchase your gingerbread kit(s) and book your build shift at habitatgta.ca/gingerbreadbuild.

6 FALL/WINTER 2014

David Sauve (Board Chair)Vice President, Ontario GTA, Stantec Consulting

Dennis Moir (Vice-Chair)Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer, CNW Group

Carol Moffit (Vice-Chair / Secretary)Program Director, Practical Risk Management Inc.

John Packer (Treasurer)Chartered Professional Accountant,PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Martin Blake (Director)Vice President of the GTA based The Daniels Corporation

Scott Fortnum (Director)Executive Director, The Living City Foundation

Sona Mehta (Director)Vice President, TD Canada Trust

Greg Nevison (Director)Senior Vice President of Construction,Tridel/Deltera

Christine Pacini (Director)Founding Partner, SHS Consulting

Erica Phillips (Director)Communications Professional, Fifth & Park

Gawain Smart (Director)Vice President, Oxford Properties Group

Pamela Westman (Director)Managing Director, Staples Promotional Products

John Oakley (Director)Vice President-Distribution Operations, Enbridge Gas Distribution

Walter Lehman (Director)President and CEO, Initium Management Inc.

Aly Alibhai (Director)Director of Lands, Resources and Consultations, Métis Nation of Ontario

PHOTO TAKEN AT THE JUNE 2014 BOARD / LEADERSHIP TEAM BUILD DAY.

Our Board of Directors is comprised of fifteen dynamic volunteers who share in our commitment to build more homes for low-income families, across the GTA. As we embrace Habitat GTA’s exciting future, we are thrilled to introduce our new Board of Directors, who are leaders in the fields of land development, construction, corporate and not-for-profit governance, and retail operations.

NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Habitat GTA's Board of Directors Introducing:


faithfoundations of

“Outside the community dining hall at Koinonia Farm near Americus, Georgia, a bell sits on a rough-hewn post like a hat on a welcoming host. For almost 70 years, visitors have been welcomed there every weekday for a community meal.” - Melissa Aberle-Grasse, Sojouners (August 2011)

Interfaith Build 2015 Honouring our community-building roots

Melissa Aberle-Grasse’s description paints the picture of welcome that has exuded from Koinonia Farm, Habitat for Humanity’s birthplace, since its inception. But far from being quaint, this invitational character once was the stuff of active resistance. Amid the tensions of the pre-Civil Rights-era U.S. South, Koinonia founder Rev. Clarence Jordan’s designs to hone a self-sustaining, multicultural farming (and – later – affordable homebuilding) community would be revolutionary. His was a vision of undiscriminating service to humanity, of building bridges across social divides.

That radically inclusive spirit would see Koinonia flourish and Habitat for Humanity’s work spread from the farm to now nearly 100 countries and 3,000 communities around the world. Our organization’s Biblically-founded model of charity has thrived in partnership with people of all faiths and backgrounds.

In celebration of our community-building roots, Habitat GTA is excited to launch our Interfaith Build 2015 campaign. Now through the end of 2015, we invite communities of faith to take

part in our goal to raise $100,000 toward Habitat GTA’s first-ever interfaith-sponsored home.

Through a generous pledge by Islamic Relief Canada (IRC), individual and congregational gifts made in support of the Interfaith Build by year end will have double impact! IRC will match – dollar for dollar – all gifts made in support of the campaign by Dec. 31, 2014. Please give now to make your donation go twice as far.

Culminating the Interfaith Build fundraising effort, contributing faith groups will come together for a hands-on build event in Fall 2015. We invite all places of worship, faith-based community service organizations, and supporters of like mind to take part in what promises to be an event celebrating community, shared empowerment, and faith in action.

To donate to the Interfaith Build 2015 campaign – or for more information – visit habitatgta.ca/interfaithbuild or call Enloe at (416) 755-7353 x242.

8 FALL/WINTER 2014

On September 15 through 27, women from all walks of life came together for Women Build 2014 kick-starting the construction of what will one day be 33 simple, decent and affordable homes!

Our Women Build superheroes have helped raise $1,001,172…

Presenting Sponsors:

This is made possible thanks to more than 150 volunteer crew leaders, event assistants, lunch providers, photographers, Rotary Clubs in Scarborough, guest speakers, ambassadors, and our generous sponsors!

Planned Giving

1. Make a donation without depleting cash reserves or losing income-producing assets.

2. Get a tax deduction for the selling price of the life insurance policy instead of only the cash surrender value.

3. Be able to see your donation put to use during your lifetime.

4. Eliminate the requirement of continued premium payments on the policy.

5. Avoid probate or administrative costs as the proceeds pass outside of your estate.

6. Make a significant impact today: For a relatively small tax- deductible investment through premium payments, you can make a major gift to Habitat GTA.

Life insurance is perhaps the most widely-held investment in Canada. It can be crucial in providing the security a growing family requires for support in times of need. However, as family needs change and children grow, many of us find ourselves with policies which are really no longer essential to our future family financial plans. These policies are an idle asset that can be used to create a win/win situation for your financial and tax

There are 10 good reasons to donate your life insurance policy to Habitat GTA:

Women Build

7. Designate the proceeds from your insurance policy for a specific purpose (i.e. land purchases).

8. Ensure that while Habitat for Humanity GTA receives the insurance proceeds, your other beneficiaries receive the full value of your estate.

9. Receive invitations to special recognition & donor events (i.e. Legacy Society).

10. Access to appropriate naming and dedication opportunities.

We did it! 12 days. 1,000 women. $1 million. 2 Build sites.

Safety Sponsor:

planning, and for Habitat for Humanity GTA.Or perhaps you are at that stage in your life where you want to

assure a major future gift to Habitat GTA, but can’t afford a large outlay of capital today. If so, then consider purchasing a new policy with Habitat for Humanity GTA as the owner of the policy and receive a donation receipt for the annual premiums paid.

For more information on gifts of life insurance, bequests, annuities or other planned giving opportunities, please contact Mary Heinmaa, VP of Philanthropy at [email protected]. Readers are advised to seek specific legal advice from their own legal counsel/financial planner before proceeding with a planned gift.


To donate your gently used household items, furniture and home decor.

Visit habitatgta.ca/restore or (416) 755-7353 x230.

CURRENT BUILD SUPPORTERS

Habitat GTA is thrilled to celebrate a renewed partnership with Enbridge Gas Distribution in 2014. For the second year in a row, Canada’s largest gas distribution company is supporting us with a generous contribution to be Habitat GTA’s official safety program Sponsor. As leaders in safety, there is no better strategic partner for our safety program than Enbridge. Habitat GTA shares Enbridge’s health and safety goal to have no accidents and is committed to making this a shared responsibility across the organization, from senior leadership, to staff and volunteers, to contractors, to our partner families, and to our customers and visitors.

“At Enbridge, the safety of our customers, the public and our employees is always our top priority”, says John Oakley, VP, Distribution Operations at Enbridge. “We are proud to work alongside Habitat GTA in their efforts to deliver safety across their operations. Drawing on, leveraging and sharing our collective safety knowledge and commitments with one another deepens and augments the safety programs of both of our organizations. Together, we can deliver more to ensure the safety of all our stakeholders.”

In addition to their support of our safety program, the company is once again sponsoring the construction of a Habitat GTA home, this time on our Brimley Road build project. Thank you, Enbridge, for your continued support of our work. We couldn’t do it without you!

AS OF OCTOBER 29, 2014

Volunteer Program Sponsor

Community Builder

CORPORATE DONOR PROFILE - ENBRIDGE GAS DISTRIBUTION

Visionaries

Groundbreakers

Gifts in kind

ENBRIDGE GAS TEAM ON 42 ACME CRESCENT BUILD SITE.

Safety Program Sponsor

Access StorageAeconCoinamatic

ConDrain GroupCeramic Tile WorldCSA Group

Dave’s Duct CleaningDewaltDillion Bros. RoofingDulux

ElteEurofase LightingField Service Support LtdFuture Focus

Graziani & Corazza Green Gold ConstructionHanson BrickHenry Co. Canada

HVAC for HabitatLe Ber TechnicalMessy MaidOrion Hardware

Royal Building ProductsScafomSuretorq Inc.


3 OFFICE LOCATIONS

For more information email us at: [email protected]

Brampton Caledon Office268 Rutherford Road South, Unit 5Brampton, ON L6W 3N3Phone: (905) 455 0883Fax: (905) 455 2622

The printing of this newsletter was paid for by the Habitat for Humanity GTA ReStores.

Donate here: habitatgta.ca

Toronto Office155 Bermondsey RoadToronto, ON M4A 1X9Phone: (416) 755 7353 Fax: (416) 916 2333

York Region Office449 Eagle StreetNewmarket, ON L3Y 1K7Phone: (905) 868 8722Fax: (905) 868 8724

Charitable Number: 13382 4680 RR0001

Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area builds year-round throughout the GTA. Corporate partnerships are an investment in your people, your community, and your brand. A Habitat GTA corporate partnership can help you achieve your business goals, while building a program that engages your staff and inspires pride.

Benefits include: • Employee engagement and team building • Marketing and promotional opportunities • Charitable tax receipt

Did you know?• 89% of employees familiar with their company’s cause program feel a strong sense of loyalty to their employer.1

• 95% believe their employer should give back.2• 2 out of 3 feel more engaged at work because of their corporate giving programs.3

For more information contact: habitatgta.ca/corporate (416) 755 7353 x261 or [email protected] Cone. (2007). Cone Cause Evolution & Environmental Study. Cone, p. 11.2 Aon Consulting and Orenda Connections. Engagement, Profits and Why the Beatles Were Right. workspan. March 2009.3 Aon Consulting and Orenda Connections, 2009.

Habitat GTA's 2014 Fall/Winter Newsletter

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