They have a goal of $500,000 to hit before breaking ground next spring and the fundraising starts now.
400 women. 10 days. 12 homes.
Donning pink Habitat for Humanity hard hats at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, the Women Build participants came out to the launch sharing their excitement and the challenging goals they expect to accomplish.
Some of the notable ladies include Premiere Christy Clark, the Honourable Linda Reid, CTV News Anchor Norma Reid, Former Surrey Mayor Diane Watts, and TELUS’ Vice President of Community Investment, Jill Schnarr.
Talk about heavy hitters.
Naturally we were inspired by the cause and commitment and had to ask the Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver team a couple of questions:
What will the Richmond Build site look like?
Six detached homes will be built for twelve deserving families at the Ash Street site in Richmond. Each home will have a rental suite and the homes will be built as a community with shared gardens, a BBQ area, vegetable gardens, and a playground.
Why choose Women Build for Vancouver?
The first official Women Build in Vancouver is part of a three-year campaign in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, spurred on by the financial support of P&G. P&G has committed $150,000 annually to support the three Women Builds.
Vancouver is the second most expensive housing market in the world with the second highest child poverty rate in Canada. Women are a driving force in our organization – 35% of our Habitat partner families are single mothers, 50% of our volunteers are women and 80% of household spending decisions are made by women. Women are changing how business is done and through Women Build they can have a financial and tangible impact on their immediate community.
Aside from changing lives, what does Habitat for Humanity aim to achieve through the Women Build initiative?
To help break the cycle of poverty for men, women and children, and generate hundreds of new donors and volunteers to increase Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver’s ongoing build capacity and brand awareness.
If reading this has also inspired you, get involved.
A minimum $1000 needs to be raised or donated to join at the site build (or if you really prefer to avoid dirt and sweat, any amount is appreciated and truly goes a long way).
The women who are up for the challenge meeting the fundraising requirement will spend one full day in safety gear, be given tools and provided guidance – before fully taking part in the construction of the homes.
Don’t worry, whether or not Home Depot is your happy place, women of all skills levels are welcome.
#NOTABLE
All images from: Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver
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