Women Build Provided the Greatest Gift of All This Holiday Season

The evening of Tuesday, November 15th, 2011 was unseasonably warm and very pleasant. There was crispness in the air that provided the perfect weather for a very special event, the most special event that
Habitat for Humanity Wellington County will hold in their calendar year.

For this night was the culmination of months of hard-work, friendship building and unwavering commitments. The Women Build of HFHWC could triumph over their extraordinary contributions to the construction of the Women Build project house at 439 York Rd.

My favourite photo from the Project

Although the Women Build volunteers reflected on shared moments, herculean efforts and companionship, the primary reason over fifty Women Build contributors filled the newly constructed home was to see Kiran officially become it's rightful homeowner!

MPP Liz Sandals speaks in rather tight quarters at House Dedication

The House Dedication is an honoured ceremony for Habitat for Humanity because it evokes a sense of joy shared by staff, volunteers and sponsors. More importantly, the Dedication presents the Habitat Partner Family the keys to their much deserved home and signifies a better life ahead to all the habitants of a house built from love.

On this night, Kiran and her two daughters not only became homeowners but they also became neighbours and part of a community they so richly longed for. The Women Build Site Supervisor, Sharon Lewis, presented Kiran the keys and so closed the book on a journey filled with commitment, laughter, friendship and dedication.

As both Kiran and Women Build Volunteers would attest to, Sharon Lewis is an exceptional woman that did an exceptional job. Without her leadership and dedication, the house wouldn't look nearly as great as it does. Day in and day out, she provided leadership and friendship as well.

Can you believe this house was primarily built by volunteers?

To all Women Build contributors; although many of you may think your donation or contribution is relatively small, our organization holds it to the highest regard and your ability to show your commitment to our mission allows us to keep fighting the good fight. So, if you donated a lunch or "Adopted a day" or sponsored a Women Build event or donated your professional skills, thank you.

To our Women Build committees; your guidance and perseverance were the bonding screws (see what I did there?) that led this project to completion. What often seems like "behind the curtain" work is cherished by all of Habitat for Humanity Wellington County.

Finally, to the Women Builders that knew no limits, knew no extremes and backed down from no challenges, we suggest you drive by 439 York Rd from time to time, smile and reflect that over 140 of you contributed nearly 3000 hours and constructed a fabulous home that was built by 87% women. Never forget, that together, your strength, can move mountains.

Yes, that's right, primarily volunteers!

Happy holidays to the extraordianary women of Women Build and remember this holiday season, you helped give the greatest gift of all, a home.

See you in 2012!

P.S. Of course I wasn't going to forget Maddie. She was a tremendous asset throughout the summer and her photos will live forever within our organization.

A Maddie Lee original

P.P.S Here are some inspirational words from a fellow Women Builder, Marlene MacNevin

I just want to thank Habitat for Humanity for having a Woman build. I met some very courageous woman, many who challenged themselves every time they came to build. We all learned skills, realized our potential, learned things about ourselves & about each other. EVERYONE was supportive, encouraging, patient & we were lucky enough to have the best site supervisor you could have hired.  It was an honour to build with the owner & to meet such a humble sweet woman. I remember one of the first times I was building on a Saturday, Kiran  kept going over to everyone to see if they were "okay", and thanking us at every opportunity.  She was so appreciative and often had this worried look on her face, as she was wondering if she was doing her task correctly. Thanks to Sharon we have all learned that almost anything can be fixed. This was a fabulous opportunity & I hope to be involved again soon.  In the meantime I will enjoy my involvement on the family selection committee.  I  want to thank you for being there as well, and encouraging us on.

I hope to see you soon............................you are not going to get rid of me so fast.”