With the support of local businesses, Habitat for Humanity Canada recently opened a national marketing and development office in Toronto. Playing an integral role in creating the new office – a low-cost but welcoming environment for visitors and volunteers working on programs and initiatives – were Urban Scout Design (interior design), the Summerlee Group of Companies (office furnishings) and Tayco Panelink Ltd. (workspace furnishings).
All products provided by Tayco Panelink, the Summerlee Group and Green Standards North America Inc. were diverted from landfills and have been redeployed for years of further service. The laminate floors donated by Torlys are made from environmentally friendly components; all the appliances provided by Whirlpool are EnergyStar rated.
Other companies whose support was critical include The Home Depot Canada, Hunter Douglas Canada Inc., Arconas Corporation, Cape Contract Furniture Inc., Humanscale Corporation, Leader Plumbing and Heating Inc., Beaulieu Canada, Cedarcraft Wood-works and Timothy’s Coffees of the World Inc. Says David Hughes, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada, “Partnership with the community, volunteers and Canadian businesses is the engine that drives our programs to help families in core housing need.”
Habitat for Humanity Canada, founded in 1985, consists of over 35,000 volunteers and 72 affiliate organizations from coast to coast. It is a member of Habitat for Humanity International, which spans 93 countries, has built over 225,000 homes, and is now building a new home every 21 minutes.