Cabinetree Donates $50,000 To Habitat For Humanity After Completion Of Leahy's Lane Condo's

Cabinetree, a local manufacturer of cabinets and commercial components, donated $50,000 to Habitat For Humanity Peterborough & The Kawartha’s to help them continue to provide affordable housing in the area.

Michael Whitfield, Beverly Wellington, Laurel Angel, Jenn MacDonald. Photo by Luke Best.

Habitat for Humanity completed their Leahy’s Lane Condo project earlier this year and has the capacity to house 41 families.

Cabinetree provided cabinet units for the condo’s at this unit.

After completion, Cabinetree provided Habitat for Humanity with a $50,000 donation, in hopes to allow them to continue to provide affordable housing options in the Peterborough area.

“This is an investment in our community and it’s an investment in local families and we are so grateful for it,” said Jenn MacDonald, Habitat for Humanity.

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3D Printed Homes May Be The Answer To Peterborough's Housing Crisis As Habitat For Humanity Partners With Local 3D Construction Company

Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region has partnered with local 3D construction builder Cormor Inc. in hopes to create affordable homes and combat the housing crisis in Peterborough.

The recent completion of a multi-unit condo building by Habitat for Humanity on Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough enabled 41 families to move into their forever homes. File photo.

According to a release by Habitat for Humanity, residential homes and multi-unit dwellings constructed through 3D print technology are more durable, sustainable, affordable, and quicker to build, providing families with a safe and stable home for generations to come.

“At a period when the housing crisis is at an all-time high, we are excited about this unique new type of construction that will allow us to build faster, save more money, and produce much less construction waste going into the landfill, keeping our environmental footprint in front of mind,” said Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region CEO, Susan Zambonin.

Habitat construction projects in partnership with Cormor are slated to begin in 2023 and Habitat and Cormor are looking for innovative land developers/owners in the region that want to collaborate on getting more homeowners into their decent and affordable homes.

“We are thrilled about this dynamic partnership with the team at Habitat for Humanity and look forward to showcasing this innovative new form of construction/design,” said Dwight Corcoran, CEO of Cormor. "There is a local, national and global housing crisis, and our goal is to be a Canadian leader in demonstrating how this 3D technology will redefine affordable living. It will also give these families peace of mind knowing their 3D homes are built to withstand severe and unpredictable storms that are more prevalent in this era of climate change.”

With Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region’s assistance, homeowner families can achieve the stability, strength, and self-reliance they need to build better lives. Families are empowered to overcome the barriers that so often stand between their families and better, healthier, more financially stable lives.

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Sustainable Fashion Comes to Lansdowne Place With Second-Hand Clothing Store

The Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region sells a lot of second-hand items and can add clothing to that list by opening a ReStyle store in Lansdowne Place mall last Friday.

(left to right) Christina Skuce, Habitat director of Philanthropy and Communications; Debbie Hinze, Operations Lead and Beth Burke, Logistics Supervisor. The store took over the property during Labour Day weekend and took less than a week to prepare its opening. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

(left to right) Christina Skuce, Habitat director of Philanthropy and Communications; Debbie Hinze, Operations Lead and Beth Burke, Logistics Supervisor. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

In addition to second-hand clothing, they also sell purses, shoes, hats, scarves and accessories with some items that have never been used.

"We are so excited to bring a sustainable fashion option into Lansdowne Place,” said Cristina Skuce, Habitat director of Philanthropy and Communications. “This provides a great thrifting option for men's, women's and kids' clothing for members of our community and another affordable shopping option for every member of your household."

The store took over the property during Labour Day weekend and took less than a week to prepare its opening. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store took over the property during Labour Day weekend and took less than a week to prepare its opening. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The ReStyle store is the first second-hand clothing store in Lansdowne Place according to Skuce.

The idea of the store came back in April last year during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic after the city ask Habitat to start accepting clothing donations since other places that accepted them were closed.

“If you think back to that time, people are at home, more times on their hands, people were doing a lot of organizing and decluttering and they had nowhere to drop stuff off because everything was closed,” explained Skuce. “So that's when we started opening our ReStores to accept those donations.”

Over 60,000 pounds of clothing was donated after the first three months of the Habitat accepting them.

The ReStyle store is outfitted with change rooms so customers can try out clothing before making a purchase. Photo by David Tuan Bui

The ReStyle store is outfitted with change rooms so customers can try out clothing before making a purchase. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store was able to hire new staff and accept new volunteers to aid in the ReStyle’s opening.

Habitat is always looking for new volunteers to help in their ReStyle or ReStore facilities especially for high school students wanting to fill their mandatory 40-hour community service. High school co-op programs are also available through the non-profit organization.

“People have really embraced the second-hand shopping option and sustainable fashion and thrifting,” exclaimed Skuce. “It’s really exciting to see customers coming in and say, ‘I can't believe this is available second hand!’”

Proceeds from the ReStyle store support the Habitat’s home-building efforts in the Peterborough and Kawartha region.

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New CEO Announced For Habitat for Humanity

A big change for the Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region as Susan Zambonin will become the new Chief Executive Officer beginning on Oct. 4 announced Friday.

Photo Courtesy of Habitat For Humanity.

Photo Courtesy of Habitat For Humanity.

Susan, the current chief operating officer with Habitat, has been involved with Habitat for Humanity for 18 years and has nine years combined executive leadership experience as CEO of Habitat PEI and Habitat Kingston.

“With Susan’s extensive leadership experience, construction knowledge and determination to build more affordable homes, we are confident that we can help more families across the Peterborough and Kawartha Region achieve affordable homeownership,” says Jill Bennett, board chair. “Susan has a proven commitment to Habitat’s core values, helping over 110 families into affordable homeownership through 66 builds in Canada and 4 Global Village builds."

She has won several awards including a Paul Harris Fellow from the Rotary Club of Charlottetown; and from Habitat for Humanity Canada an International Outstanding Contribution Award, Mentorship Award, and the Award of Excellence for creating a volunteer training program. Susan has also done numerous volunteer work and is an avid Rotarian.

“We are confident that Susan’s many talents, depth of philanthropic experience with Habitat for Humanity and proven strategic and collaborative leadership approach will help us to increase our affordable homebuilding efforts throughout the Region including the City and County of Peterborough, City of Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton County,” expressed Bennett.

Susan will be taking over from Sarah Budd, who has led the organization for almost 15 years. The Board has thanked Budd for her contributions and commitment during her time as CEO.

Her leadership and vision were instrumental in managing the organization through the pandemic and moving the organization from a builder of single-family homes to a developer of multi-residential communities according to the press release.

Susan is coming on board as the organization embarks on an ambitious new strategic plan and is in the midst of the ongoing pandemic and increased need for affordable housing.

“It is an honour and a privilege for me to be Habitat’s new CEO and have a strategic leadership role in creating much-needed affordable housing in our communities,” says Zambonin. “This is an incredible opportunity to combine my passion for housing with my professional experience to continue to grow this respected organization. For over 18 years, I have been a leader in the fight for more affordable housing and I am very honoured to lead this great team in the Peterborough and Kawartha Region.”

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Two Local Girls Earn $10,000 Grants For Habitat for Humanity In Writing Contest

Elementary school students Olivia Grady and Emma Mattson were runner-ups in the “Meaning of Home” writing contest that earned a $10,000 grant each for Habitat for Humanity announced Monday.

Mattson (left) and Grady (right) were two of over 12,000 entrants across Canada that participated in the contest. Photo Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity.

Mattson (left) and Grady (right) were two of over 12,000 entrants across Canada that participated in the contest. Photo Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity.

The nationwide contest invited Canadian kids from grades 4-6 to submit a poem or essay explaining what home means to them.

A winner and three runner-ups are selected from each grade and are awarded $30,000 and $10,000 respectively towards their local habitat build. The earnings will go towards building homes for families in need of a safe and secure place to call home according to the press release.

Matson wrote her poem “Houses and Homes” which earned her a runner-up award, sharing the spot with two other girls representing Habitat Greater Ottawa.

A house is made of wood and bricks.
A home is made of love and family.
Home is the heart of my family.
Home keeps us all together.

Home reminds us of those good times.
Home means love.
Home means family.
Home helps us make memories.

Our home is always there for us.

When I am in my home, I feel safe.
I feel comfortable in my home.
My home means so much to me.

My home is no ordinary house.
It’s a home.

Our home means more to us in these times.
Covid-19 made us spend more time in our houses than normal.
I now realize what my home really means.
It means family.

Home is wonderful.
When I think of home I think of my indigenous culture.
When I am home, I feel like me.
When I am in my home I think of my family, my culture and my background.

I don’t live in a house.
I live in a home.
— Emma Mattson

Grady got runner-up with her entry, “What Does Home Mean to Me?” for the grade 6 category.

Home can mean several things. To me, it doesn’t just resemble a building. Those 4 walls and a roof I’ve spent my whole life in means more than I can explain. The comfort, safety and love that comes from my home makes this place more than what you think.

I know I’m at home when I feel that single feeling of comfort the moment I walk through the door. My dog, greeting me with her kisses and happiness, mom and dad, giving me the hug that I have awaited all day for and my brother so joyous to see everyone together again. However, comfort isn’t just the hug you get when you walk into the house. It’s also helping each other, doing fun things together and knowing that you are loved.

An essential part of home to me is safety. Knowing that in the darkest conditions, I am always safe in my parent’s warm embrace. Safety is trusting that I can come home to escape my sorrow, bitter thoughts and just be myself. It also means to flee the cold rainstorm that I’ve been drenched in to a place that brings me a sense of security and safety. When I’m safe, that’s how I know that I’m at home.

Finally, the heart of my home is love. You don’t have to spell “love” to feel it. The simplest things my family does shows me that they love me whether it’s watching movies together, playing games or just giving each other our time. When someone says “home” I immediately think of love for it is the true key to a happily ever after.

I hope that one day, everyone will have a home to experience the things that I believe home means.
— Olivia Grady

Sarah Budd, Humanity CEO, expressed her gratitude for the girls’ efforts in earning $22,890 for the habitat build. Each student entry also earns a $10 donation for their local Habitat.

“I’d like to congratulate both Olivia and Emma for their participation and incredible efforts in supporting affordable housing in their community,” she said. “Because of their hard work, these $10,000 grants mean that we can help more local families and individuals have access to safe and affordable homeownership.”

This year’s Meaning of Home contest raised a record of $300,000 for local Habitat for Humanity organizations across Canada.

Full contest results can be found on the contest’s official website.

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More Affordable Housing Within Reach As Construction Kicks Off On Largest Habitat Peterborough Build To Date

More decent, affordable housing is within reach in Peterborough as Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region is excited to be kicking off its largest build project to date. 

“We are aware that many people in our community are in need of decent, affordable housing and we are advocates for the solution,” says Sarah Budd, CEO for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “That’s why, unlike our previous build projects, the Leahy’s Lane development is not just for families but open to singles, couples, seniors, and families.”

Located at 33 Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough, the three-storey, 41-unit condo development will consist of a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom affordable condos. It will offer an elevator and a fully universal design which will accommodate current or future homeowners’ accessibility needs. Each condo will include appliances and in-suite heating and air conditioning control. In addition, the condos will be energy efficient—making it even more affordable for homeowners. 

Photo courtesy Habitat Peterborough

Photo courtesy Habitat Peterborough

“Now more than ever, safe and affordable housing is a critical need,” adds Budd. “The local individuals and families we partner with are empowered to overcome the barriers that so often stand between them and better, healthier, more financially stable lives.”

“It was challenging for us to even see ourselves in a home we owned,” says Holly, who along with her husband Wayne applied to own a Habitat condo. “The barrier of renting and living expenses limits us from putting away money towards a down payment. Wayne and I have always dreamt of becoming homeowners, but roadblocks such as a down payment and the rise in the market, have prevented us from making this goal reality. Purchasing a new Habitat home will free us from renting the rest of our lives. It will offer stability and pride of ownership and accomplishment.”

Habitat Peterborough offers families and individuals a hand-up, not a hand-out, by providing a geared to income mortgage and requiring no down payment. They are still looking for more applicants for this innovative development. People interested in partnering with Habitat Peterborough to be a condo owner can sign up for a virtual info session by visiting the website or emailing here to learn more.

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Local Student Wins $10,000 For Habitat For Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region

The Meaning of Home is a national writing contest in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada that asks students in Grade 4, 5 and 6 to share what home means to them.

More than 10,200 students entered this year’s Meaning of Home contest, and Peterborough student Siena Hopkins-Prest is one of three Grade 6 runners up in the national contest—read her winning entry “What Does Home Mean To Me” here—helping win a $10,000 grant that will go towards Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.

These much-needed funds will go towards Habitat Peterborough’s innovative new 41-unit affordable condo building to be built at 33 Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough. Construction of the condo building is set to begin in September, and will help local families, singles, couples, and seniors in need of a safe and secure place to call home.

Siena Hopkins-Prest

Siena Hopkins-Prest

“Too many families and individuals in our Region are struggling without access to a decent, affordable place to call home,” says Christina Skuce, Director of Philanthropy & Communications with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “Siena’s winning entry and the key support of our local youth means that we can help more local families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.”

The Meaning of Home contest would not be possible without the generous support of founding sponsor, Genworth Canada. “I’d like to congratulate each of the contest winners and thank all the students who submitted entries on what home means to them,” says Stuart Levings, President and CEO, Genworth Canada. “Since 2007, the Meaning of Home contest has been empowering youth to become engaged and compassionate members of the community while educating them on the importance of affordable housing. We’re proud to be a founding sponsor of this initiative.”

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Habitat For Humanity Peterborough Opens New ReStore In North End

PTBOCanada Featured Post: Habitat For Humanity Peterborough Opens New ReStore In North End

Sponsored post by Habitat for Humanity Peterborough

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Habitat For Humanity Peterborough Hands Keys To Two Families Just In Time For Christmas

Habitat for Humanity Peterborough just made Christmas extra special for two families, handing them the keys to their new houses.

The Nyarota and Young families received the keys to their Habitat homes on Saturday (December 17th) at a Dedication Ceremony. Both families are joyful to move into their homes before Christmas.

The Nyarota family...

The Nyarota family: Sarah, Taku and Lexi

The Young family....

The Young family rocking the plaid: Nicole with daughters Serenity and Savannah

The ceremony included an opportunity to thank the many donors, partners and dedicated volunteers whose generosity helped make homeownership a reality for these families.

Great job by the Habitat team...

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Habitat For Humanity Peterborough's Fly Anywhere In The World

Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region has an amazing initiative running now until November 24th! There are two prizes available: two economy class airline tickets to anywhere in the world Air Canada flies, and two economy class tickets to anywhere in North America (including sun destinations) Air Canada flies. Tickets can be purchased for only $10 at the Habitat for Humanity office located at 161 Sherbrooke Street in Peterborough. They are only selling 3,000 tickets—so your odds of winning are higher—with all of the proceeds benefiting their build projects.

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