Social Policy in Ontario

Campaign hammers at affordable housing

Posted on July 17, 2008 in Child & Family Debates, Debates, Social Security Debates

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TheStar.com – News & Features – Campaign hammers at affordable housing: Habitat for Humanity gets $230,000 donation through purchase of `paper houses’
July 17, 2008

More than 1.5 million Canadians lack safe, decent, affordable housing.

But thanks to Habitat for Humanity, some of them will realize the dream of home ownership.

The organization recently received a donation of more than $230,000 from The Home Depot, raised during the second annual Buy a House, Build a Home campaign.

Between May 20 and June 29, after perusing the aisles for fasteners or appliances or gardening supplies, shoppers had the opportunity to buy a paper house for $2.

Habitat for Humanity estimates the money raised would be enough to buy more than 34 million nails, 4,600 doors or 230 bedrooms.

“I want to thank our customers, vendors and employees for almost tripling the amount raised last year – the first year of the campaign,” said Annette Verschuren, president of The Home Depot Canada and Asia.

To encourage communities to reach deep into their pockets, The Home Depot offered a $25,000 home-build grant to the highest fundraiser.

The National Capital Region’s Habitat for Humanity received the grant thanks to the generosity of the people of Carleton Place, Ont.

Sydney, N.S. and Huntsville, Ont., came in second and third, respectively.

“Our partner, The Home Depot, continues to amaze us with their dedication to helping us provide solutions to the growing housing crisis in Canada,” said David Hughes, president and chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity Canada.

“The Paper Houses campaign is a great demonstration of how corporate leadership and innovation can enable all Canadians to get involved and make a meaningful contribution.”

Since 1996, The Home Depot has been the largest supporter of Habitat for Humanity in Canada and the organization currently donates more than $3 million in funding and products and thousands of volunteer hours each year.

In 2008, The Home Depot will support more than 20 affordable housing projects across Canada, focusing on sustainability to help create energy-efficient homes that provide lasting benefits.

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