Volunteer E-News

March 2011
In this issue: Build Site Update, Meaning of Home Contest Winner, Westbank Announcement, ReStore Volunteering, Tim Hortons Cruiser Day, Women Day, IFMA Golf Tournament, HFH Canada AGM

Phase 5 Home Dedication

On a chilly afternoon last November, people from all walks of life came together to celebrate the near completion of Phase 5 of the Burnaby build project. Five Habitat families were welcomed to the neighborhood (just a touch early) by friends, family, volunteers, staff and fellow partner families. With these new families set to move in this summer, a total of 21 families and 44 children will call 8745 Government Street home. As with previous dedication ceremonies, each phase 5 family received a book of their faith, CMHC Home Owners guide and a house warming basket which was put together by the Family Partnering Committee. Families were also presented with planter boxes constructed by a local Scouts group, a welcome addition to the event. Special guests included Harry Bloy, Burnaby-Lougheed MLA and radio and TV personality, Shell Busey. Vounteers played a huge role in the organizing of the event. Family partners helped with registration and programs, volunteers helped in the kitchen with refreshments, the Broken Down Band (a build site volunteers band) provided entertainment before the ceremony and a Phase 6 partner family baked a 3D cake of Phase 6! Huge thanks to all of our sponsors, donors and volunteers for your continued support of our build project. Photos from the event can be viewed on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/hfhgv

vancouverhabitat.bc.ca - volunteer@vancouverhabitat.bc.ca - (604) 681-5618 ext. 23 facebook.com/hfhvancouver - twitter @HFHGV_ReStore - flickr.com/photos/hfhgv/

Build Site Update

As the Lower Mainland emerges from the winter thaw, activity at the build site is picking up. Phase 5 drywall installation was completed during the last months of 2010 and some interiors have already received a lick of paint. Volunteers are currently working hard to complete the French drainage system, install sub floors and complete trim work around doors, windows and closets. The goal is to see families moving into these homes by early summer with ground breaking on the final phase soon after. Phase 6 will prove to be a unique challenge since units will be low-rise apartment style, not traditional row homes like in previous phases. The difference in construction will allow for the development of one accessible unit for a family with access needs.

Exciting New Project: 60 West Cordova

In an effort to provide a solution to Vancouvers housing affordability crisis, an innovative condominium development by Westbank Corp is in the works which aims to turn local renters into home owners. The project is located in the citys Downtown Eastside neighborhood at 60 West Cordova and will consist of 108 affordable, no frills homes. The market-priced homes in this development have already sold out. Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver is partnering with Westbank to purchase 4 units from this project at a reduced rate which will in turn be sold to pre-selected working, lower income families of 1-4 people. Family selection is expected to begin soon, with preference given to those who currently live, work or volunteer in the Downtown Eastside. As with current partner families, the criteria for acceptance will include 500 hours of sweat equity. However, since construction will be completed by the developer, family volunteer hours will need to be completed at the ReStores and the Burnaby build site (which we expect to be under construction for some time to come). Decent, affordable housing has always been Habitats goal which is why this partnership is important at a time when Habitat needs to look at alternative models of affordable housing. The Greater Vancouver affiliate is looking forward to welcoming more families into their program and ultimately their new homes in 2012.

vancouverhabitat.bc.ca - volunteer@vancouverhabitat.bc.ca - (604) 681-5618 ext. 23 facebook.com/hfhvancouver - twitter @HFHGV_ReStore - flickr.com/photos/hfhgv/

Join Us for Tim Hortons Cruiser Day!

Date: Saturday, April 2 Time: 10:00am- 10:30am Place: Burnaby Build Site, 8745 Government Street Who: All volunteers and their families, whether you help at the stores, as part of a committee, or at the build site. As a small token of our appreciation for all of your hard work, Habitat would like to invite you and your families to participate in the upcoming Tim Hortons Cruiser Day at the Burnaby build site. Enjoy a fresh cup of Tim Hortons coffee and delicious Tim-bits with your Habitat peers. From hammering nails at the build site, to placing items neatly on a shelf for sale, never forget the impact of your contributions, big and small. The homes at the Burnaby build site are proof of your commitment and for that we are truly thankful. Please rsvp to Michelle Da Roza volunteer@vancouverhabitat.bc.ca if you can make it.

ReStores in Need of Volunteers

The build site has traditionally been the most popular place to contribute volunteer time, but did you know that our greatest need for help exists at our ReStores? We need regular volunteers who can commit to a 4 hour shift once a week in either store location, especially during weekday afternoons. Please remember how important the ReStores function is to our organization. ReStore revenue enables us to cover all operating expenses and ensures that 100% of every dollar donated goes towards the cause building homes for hard working, lower-income families. So whether you are ringing in a customer purchase, or helping to unload items off the truck, please remember how vital your time in a ReStore is to our entire operation. If you are interested in picking up a shift at the ReStore or know someone who is, please contact Michelle Da Roza 604-681-5618 ext. 23 for more details.

2nd Annual IFMA Golf Tournament

Date: Thursday, July 21 Time: 10:30am 7:30pm Place: Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club, 3251 Plateau Boulevard, Coquitlam BC Cost: IFMA Members $190.00, Guests $200.00, Groups of four $190.00 per person. Join the International Facility Management Association (IMFA) 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament, benefitting Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver. This Texas Scramble fundraiser includes power carts with GPS, fabulous activity passports, Westwood Plateaus famous west coast buffet dinner, prizes, a tee gift and much, much more. Individuals and foursomes may contact Jason Davies 604.764.0855, jdavies@xmg-group.com for more information or to register. vancouverhabitat.bc.ca - volunteer@vancouverhabitat.bc.ca - (604) 681-5618 ext. 23 facebook.com/hfhvancouver - twitter @HFHGV_ReStore - flickr.com/photos/hfhgv/

Women Day Workshop + Build

Date: Saturday, April 30 Time: 8:00am 4:00pm Place: Burnaby Build Site, 8745 Government Street Who: Women aged 16+, new or existing volunteers Cost: Minimum $50 donation Back by popular demand, the first Women Day of 2011 has been scheduled for Saturday, April 30 at the Burnaby build site. For a minimum $50 donation, women volunteers are welcome to participate in this exclusive event which includes a private on-site orientation, morning workshop and afternoon build project. All participants will receive a Women Day t-shirt and hot catered lunch. Space is limited so ensure you sign up quickly!

We Need YOU for Habitat for Humanity Canadas National AGM + Conference
Habitat for Humanity Canada has selected Metro Vancouver as the host city for the 2011 National Annual General Meeting and Conference which runs from May 18-21. Volunteers are essential to Habitat for Humanity affiliates both large and small. This annual conference is no exception to the rule which is why we are asking for your help. Volunteers are needed to assist with registration duties and event set up. We are also looking for skilled photographers who would be willing to donate their time and services to document portions of the conference. Thanks to our very supportive sponsors at Delta Hotels, this years event will take place at the newly renovated Delta Burnaby Hotel and Conference Centre. Approximately 250 delegates from affiliates across the country will be meeting to discuss Habitats mission, vision and goals for the future as well as gain insight into better affiliate operations and best practices. Please contact Michelle Da Roza, (604) 681-5618 ext 23 volunteer@vancouverhabitat.bc.ca to schedule a shift today.

BC Home + Garden Show Recap

We are very pleased to report another successful turn out at this seasons Home and Garden Show. For five days, volunteers helped us to engage with the public and share information about Habitat for Humanity and the ReStores. Our focus was to bring to light the contributions of our hardworking volunteers in addition to encouraging folks to stop by the ReStores for their home renovation needs. Thanks very much to all of the volunteers who helped make our booth a success!

vancouverhabitat.bc.ca - volunteer@vancouverhabitat.bc.ca - (604) 681-5618 ext. 23 facebook.com/hfhvancouver - twitter @HFHGV_ReStore - flickr.com/photos/hfhgv/

$5,000 from Genworths Meaning of Home Contest Winner

The results of Genworths annual Meaning of Home contest were announced in January. Vancouver grade 6 student, Margaret Ovenell was selected as one of six finalists for her poem entitled Where are Our Homes?. Her prize, a $5,000 donation to a Habitat affiliate of choice courtesy Genworth Financial was awarded to Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver. Since its inception in 2007, Genworths Meaning of Home Contest has provided over $80,000 annually to Canadian Habitat for Humanity affiliates. Nearly 1,500 entries from students in grades 4, 5 and 6 were submitted for the contest in 2010. Margarets award winning piece can be read below. All winning contest entries can be viewed here: http://www.genworth.ca/contest/winners_2010.html Where are Our Homes? As the wind whistles As the rain pours As feet pound down the street As the cars fly by-A young girl rushes home. She pushes by an old man His jeans ripped and grimy He paces back and forth mumbling meaningless phrases His brain cannot form his jumbled thoughts Where is his home? She hurries by a dejected woman. Her body is losing the fight against the cold She can't protect against winter's cruel ways She has lost life's lottery-Where is her home? Late already, she barely notices a young boy. And his dirty hands Cupping a single coin His stomach rumbling like an earthquake-Where is his home? The girl throws open the door of her house A fine home it is Her family eats a hearty supper Potatoes and turkey, peaches and ice cream-This is her home. After dinner, she trudges upstairs She looks into her mirror and sees her wealth reflected But in her eyes she spots something else A reflection of the homeless begging on the street Where are their homes? The separation of a single wall The single brick barrier is the distinction of two entirely different lives While some freeze, Others feast-Where are our homes? - Margaret Ovenell

Do you have a great ReStory?

Have you purchased items for your home in the ReStore? How about your friends and family? Maybe you renovated your kitchen with ReStore products? We want to hear all about your latest ReStore finds, treasures and deals. Share with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hfhvancouver

vancouverhabitat.bc.ca - volunteer@vancouverhabitat.bc.ca - (604) 681-5618 ext. 23 facebook.com/hfhvancouver - twitter @HFHGV_ReStore - flickr.com/photos/hfhgv/