Build 2007 Launch

by Patsy de Haan

The cold spring rains came down in buckets, necessitating a last minute change to rubber boots but the weather did not dampen the spirits on Wilfred Cres.

The occasion was cause to celebrate. The Groundbreaking Ceremony took place in the fresh and new Briceland Subdivision. The house on Wilfred Cres. will soon be the welcome, wheelchair-accessible home to a young and deserving couple named Ryan and Sarah Taylor, our most recent partner family in Kingston, made possible by Alcan and so many other corporate partners and volunteers.

Sara and Ryan were interviewed by Anthony Agostino of CKWS Newswatch

A refreshing collection of rainwear graced the local dignitaries, current partner families, fundraisers, sponsors, neighbors and volunteers gathered together for a common cause—to show our support toward the future of our Community Growth with a
Hand Up—Not a Hand-Out.

As always, the volunteer Special Events Committee organized a small event with a huge purpose. In keeping with Habitat for Humanity goals, another project began with a positive impact on another neighborhood, one home, one family at a time. The atmosphere was set as Joe Coley from the Salvation Army offered a prayer in his natural eloquence and enthusiasm.

Last Friday, as the rain stopped we listened proudly to the dedicated people making this life-changing event possible. Flowers were planted one by one in a show of welcome spirit and good wishes for a happy new home for Ryan and Sarah. Perhaps the most poignant moment was the couple’s new next-door neighbour lovingly planted the seeds of hope in a garden for the family that will nurture it and tend it with their own hands.

Speaker of the House Peter Milliken and MPP John Gerretsen, supporters and well-wishers each planted a seed of hope and partnership, cultivating a true community effort.

A Habitat volunteer in the audience said she felt the same emotions of hope and well-being when helping a new partner family in the Gulf Coast last year. Difficult to put into words, but easy to become involved. Habitat for Humanity wishes that everyone takes the opportunity to share in these experiences, these moments that you wouldn’t trade for the world.

And lest we forget another commodity invaluable to any Habitat Volunteer: the serving of the food! The intimate gathering last Friday broke ground, and broke bread afterward with refreshments and food as the wind calmed.

There will be construction on Wilfred Cres. all summer until September. There will also be camaraderie, laughs, tears and elbow grease as we build another milestone in the life of a family and an army of volunteers.

Ryan and Sara, please know that many, many people look forward with excitement to getting you moved into your brand new home in time to celebrate Christmas 2007!!

Photo Gallery

Murry "McGyver" Griffin (Build 1999) and the Lanoue Family (Build 2005)
were on hand to welcome the new family to the neighborhood.
They will also be pitching in with the New Build!
That's what Community Growth is all about!!!

The Rt. Hon. Peter Milliken was charged with the ribbon cutting task,
under the keen eye of one of the younger neighbours.

MPP John Gerretsen chats with Sandy Berg, Murry Griffin (Build 1999)
and Nancy Sinclair (former Director of Habitat Kingston)

Sandy, Bill Dobson (habitat Board Director & Boston Marathoner!)
and Dave Swain, Build Committee Volunteer review plans

The Assurant Gang
Keith Chan, Kathy Burke, Louis Lozada (Puerto Rico), Patsy de Haan,
Richard Moore (crouching), Audrey Jones, Adam Usajewicz (Toronto)

Sandy Berg (Exec Director of Habitat Kingston,
Trevor Lewis (Alcan International) and Bruce Johnson (manager of the Kingston ReStore)