Lending a Hand

One of Canada's most recognized figures was in Calgary March 15, participating in Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta build in the community of Evanston.

Governor General David Johnston was on hand at the build donating his time to help with the construction of a home for a Calgary family. The Governor General serves as a federal representative of Queen Elizabeth II. "Place is so important isn't it?" Johnston said. "And place is where your home is and what we are seeing with Habitat and the homes for our friends here is a place which is the physical structure where they will be; but from that security form a physical place, a home, then comes family and comes all of the other things that are part of a good life."

Habitat for Humanity families donate 500 hours of "sweat equity" towards the completion of their home. A feat accomplished by Calgarians Tim and Aileen and their two sons during the Governor
Generals visit.

"Last year, we applied to Habitat and we asked some of our friends and family to pray and the Lord worked a miracle and we were accepted," said Tim. "With Habitat and what ownership means to us, we've, in our 10 years as life of a family, moved about seven different times, lived in three different countries because of my work and it's really nice to be able to just settle down in Calgary."

As well as volunteering his time, Johnston presented John Davis, Brenda Fischer, Patrick Cashion and Phil Johnson — four Habitat Southern Alberta recipients — with the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award. Created in 1995, the award recognizes Canadians and permanent residents who have made significant, sustained and unpaid contributions to their community in Canada or abroad.

"Never doubt the importance of your work and how that inspires," Johnston said speaking to volunteerism.

Once the Evanston project is completed, Habitat Southern Alberta has announced its newest build set to take place in the northwest community of Montgomery. The Montgomery development will include a four-plex of units between 1,000 and 1,050 sq. ft. meeting building specification and environmental sustainability of the community. The build is set to begin this year.

Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta is a non-profit organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live through mobilizing volunteers and community partners to build affordable housing and promote home ownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty. Visit Habitat For Humanity for more information.

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