HABITAT for Humanity Victoria organizers pronounced themselves “excited and honoured” to have Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, as the vice-regal patron of the organization.

The partnership between the Governor General and Habitat for Humanity Canada was announced June 13 at Rideau Hall, in Ottawa – during a reception at which Jean met with Habitat for Humanity Canada, and Habitat for Humanity International.

Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s new president, Robert Anderson, says he is “over the moon” about Jean’s appointment, adding:

“Our Governor General is known for her caring and compassion for children and families. Her past actions have shown this level of caring, and I can’t think of anyone whose patronage would be a better fit for our organization.”

Habitat Victoria’s leader feels Jean “will focus our mission. Habitat is about building homes for children and families, and breaking away from the cycle of poverty.”

Michaëlle Jean’s presence as the patron of Habitat for Humanity is “a huge step forward for the affiliates”, says Anderson.

“With her help, Habitat for Humanity can reach new heights as an organization.”

Habitat for Humanity Victoria currently has several local home builds underway.

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A Central Saanich build project will be soon be complete, and keys will be handed over to the families towards the end of the summer.

As well, a duplex in Sidney is moving towards completion, and will be dedicated to the families in the fall.

The dedication ceremonies for these homes will be a very special occasion for the Ahmed and Henderson families of Central Saanich, and the Forrester-Smith and Elliott families of Sidney, who have put an extraordinary amount of time into the building process.

Habitat families work hard for their homes, and each family contributes 500 hours towards the completion of their house.

Along with the upcoming project completions, Habitat is eager to begin construction of the Bethune Flex-Plex Project, in partnership with the Canadian Home Builders Association of Victoria and B.C. Housing.

A sod-turning ceremony will be held mid-summer to signify the start of the formal construction process for the much-anticipated Bethune build.

Completion of the five-unit townhouse is scheduled for fall 2008.

Anyone wishing to be part of the effort to complete the homes in Central Saanich and Sidney can contact Derek Draper at 250-889-7815 or dldraper@shaw.ca.

Volunteers will be on site Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8:30 am to 3 pm.

August 2007