Association lends support to Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program

A few months ago, several directors of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) attended an information session on Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program. Now Habitat for Humanity Toronto is hosting a Women Build networking event on Monday, January 14 at Verity on Queen Street East for those who wish to get involved.

CAWIC

Networking event launches fundraising efforts

A few months ago, several directors of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) attended an information session on Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program.

“We were instantly moved to lend our support,” recalled Colleen Sheridan, a sales coordinator for Baycor Construction Ltd. in Toronto.

“In Habitat’s words, ‘Women Build is about building a home or homes with a focus on promoting women as leaders and more importantly, to provide an opportunity for women to learn new trades or skills.’

“From this it is clear that CAWIC and Women Build are a perfect fit,” as the association’s mandate is to facilitate the long-term success of women in construction-related fields.

Habitat for Humanity Toronto will launch its inaugural Women Build project in March. The build itself is to get under way in the fall with a blitz “which will bring together thousands of women and girls from all over Toronto to build homes and in turn new futures for deserving families,” Sheridan said.

“While this is not a new idea — there have been 14 builds in Canada in just the past two years — this is the first for Toronto,” she said. “The goal is to raise $1 million, which will fund construction of 10 Energy Star homes.”

The homes will be built in Scarborough on land donated by the Sisters of St. Joseph.

CAWIC is providing $1,300 in funding, 50 per cent of the proceeds from its recent annual holiday season dinner and charity auction.

Sheridan said some of the association’s members could lend a hand in the build as well.

“There’s been quite a bit of interest expressed in participating,” she said.

Habitat for Humanity Toronto is scheduled to hold a Women Build networking event Jan. 14 at Verity on Queen Street East. The organization is seeking assistance with fundraising.