Spring Cleaning? Why not ReStore your home with Habitat?

It’s that time of year again, the birds are chirping and the flowers are blooming; no need for heavy winter coats. It’s time to open the house windows and do a good spring clean!

Now there are tons of tricks, lists and simple suggestions out there to make spring cleaning easier and less time consuming; Habitat for Humanity Wellington County has a list of their own to help remind you what items to donate and all about our free pick-ups.  <Take a look below of accepted and unaccepted items> 

All you need to do to donate an item is bring it into the ReStore located at Suite 300, 104 Dawson Road in Guelph. If your item is too large for you to bring in on your own or you have a number of things to donate, you can call the ReStore at 519-780-2323 to arrange for a free pick-up of all your items!

There are several great reasons to donate your unwanted goods to the Habitat Guelph ReStore. Your donations reduce the amount of material going into local landfill sites. In fact, the Guelph ReStore has diverted over 3,000,000 pounds of goods away from these sites. That's the equivalent to 230 elephants! Additionally, ReStore profits helps us offset administration costs so you can rest assured every penny you donate to Habitat for Humanity Wellington County goes directly to buying building materials to build more homes in your community.   

Spring Cleaning with the ReStore this year will make you feel great about your social and environmental actions, especially with Earth Day around the corner. Habitat for Humanity ReStores help Canadian consumers practice the 3Rs every day:

• ReDuce - the need to manufacture new products
• ReUse - gently-used products in your home renovation projects
• ReCycle - your neighbour's gently-used products by finding a use for them in your house

Are you planning to finally get rid of that TV in the crawl space that merely collects dust? Maybe you'll finally decide to do something about the dozens of cell phones you have stashed away in the closet. Are you unsure of how to properly recycle these electronics? Recycle them with the ReStore and we'll make it easy for you! Bring your unwanted working or non-working electronics into our donation centre and will recycle them RESPONSIBLY!

So while you’re giving your house that thorough clean keep HFHWC and our Guelph Restore on your mind for all your recycled items!

Accepted Items for Donation

Items that Habitat ReStore accepts:

• Appliances and small appliances 
• Architectural columns, mantles, antique moldings 
• Cabinets (kitchen and bathroom)
• Carpeting and under-pad new or “as new” only 
• Doors (in good condition NO hollow bi-folds) 
• Drywall, blue board & cement board, in sheets uncut, (or half sheets) 
• Drywall mud & tape 
• Electrical devices and fixtures in “as new” working condition 
• Exercise equipment 
• Flooring (tiles, wood, vinyl engineered laminate, parquet) 
• Furniture (no box springs and mattresses, no upholstered furniture) 
• Garden tools, implements, structures, shovels wheelbarrows, sheds, etc. 
• Hand tools, including power tools 
• Hardware (hinges, handles, knobs, covers, nails, nuts and bolts, screws) 
• Insulation (only in wrapped bundles) 
• Interlocking paving stones 
• Lighting fixtures (interior & exterior) 
• Office furniture (desks, bookcases, computer work stations, chairs) 
• Plumbing fixtures without chips or stains 
• Plumbing tubing & pipes (copper, ABS, PVC, galvanized) 
• Roofing (shingles, barrier paper and membranes)
• Sealants and caulks in unopened packages
• Shutters
• Siding (wood, aluminum, vinyl)
• Steel and Aluminum/ Steel tubs, steel desks
• Televisions, radios, computers, monitors (all electronics)
• Wall coverings (paper, vinyl, tiles)
• Windows
• Wood (lumber, trim, molding, plywood, MDR OFB, plastic) in usable sizes, not scrap

Items NOT accepted: 

Unaccepted Items for Donation

• Any kind of waste
• Automotive supplies
• Toys
• Books, magazines
• Clothing
• Dishes/pots and pans/dishwashers
• Drywall smaller than 2x3
• Fertilizers, insecticides/pesticides, plants
• Glass that is not in a frame
• Hazardous material (flammables, acids, solvents)
• Plumbing fixtures that are chipped or stained (no 13 liter toilets)

Habitat for Humanity Staff Build Day aka Walking the Talk

I challenge you to join the Ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their talk ~ Tony Robbins

The above quote was the mission I shared with ten of my colleagues from Habitat for Humanity Wellington County and the Habitat Guelph ReStore on Tuesday, March 6th. All Habitat and ReStore staff came to the conclusion that it's good and all to ask people to donate their time and money to help build more homes for deserving families in our communities, it's another thing to do the job yourself.

For one day, we stepped away from fundraising and volunteer programs, stepped away from advocacy and social media initiatives, stepped away from policies and stepped away from accounting and administration to focus on, "walking our talk" at the My Neighbour's House project.

It was a GREAT day! There are many enjoyable experiences about being on a home-building construction site. You can meet new people with similar interests or reconnect with colleagues. You will learn new trades skills and gain self-confidence that may have been buried below. However, nothing is more enjoyable than knowing your work will equate to a family breaking a from a vicious poverty cycle, potentially moving away from unsafe and dangerous living conditions to go move into a sustainable housing solution, a Habitat for Humanity Home.


It's truly uplifting to think that the doors you are installing in a room could be the very same door that represents a child's first bedroom door. It is satisfying to think that a child's health and grades can improve because of that door you installed.

Selfishly, there were extra incentives to my building experiences. I'm currently renovating my basement and opted to take the project on myself and my Father to finish. Conveniently, as we are at the stage of door installations in the basement project, what do you think I got to learn on the build site at My Neighbour's House? You guessed it.... I learned to install doors! The timing literally couldn't have been better. Now I'll be able to stray from the norm of my Father teaching me everything about renovations and teach him how to propertly install doors; all in thanks to our wonderful Site Supervisor, John. Thanks John!

Another great element of the day was the ability to work alongside staff and the ReStore. I don't cross paths all the time with some staff of the ReStore and it was a pleasure to work alongside them for an entire day. I think I learned a lot about them as they did about me.

Finally, I'd be remisced if I didn't get a chance to detail our lunch! Those of you familiar with The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro might know that last Tuesday, for lunch and dinner periods, offered free meals to partrons in lieu of a donation to HFHWC. Obviously, we weren't going to miss out on this! Collectively, we piled a bunch of money together as our donation and put in a giant order of delicious and juicy gourmet burgers. I 100% recommend the San Francisco Treat that features cheddar and Kraft Dinner. Yes, THE KRAFT DINNER!

The One and Only San Francisco Treat Burger!

It ended up being a memorable day for all of staff and something we'll plan more frequently. If you want in on this experience, please register to volunteer or contact Annie.

The HFHWC Volunteering Experience

*Guest Author: Habitat for Humanity Wellington County Volunteer, Rebecca Smith:

I’m a Do-It-Yourself junkie, I’ll fully admit it, and I’ve been coming to the Habitat for Humanity Wellington County’s ReStore for a long time, so when a friend suggested I sign up on their Volunteer Hub and volunteer at the ReStore I thought why not? I have now been volunteering at Habitat for Humanity Wellington County for the past five months and it has been a very rewarding experience, one I would highly recommend to anyone looking to make a difference or just have fun!

My first volunteer experience with Habitat for Humanity Wellington County was in the ReStore, where I got to help unload trucks, organize inventory, set up a new Christmas display and help a shopper  find exactly what she was looking for (gorgeous oversized tiles that were being used to restore a bathroom).  The best part about the morning was the great new people I got to meet. Everyone was so friendly and willing to include me in their tasks, it was fun start to finish! And I didn’t leave empty handed I purchased a side table, which I have since painted and made into a fantastic nightstand.

After my time in the ReStore I started volunteering in the front office where I have not only got to accomplish a lot, but I have learned so much. I have helped out with writing blogs, researching social media stats, following facebook and twitter accounts (@HFHWC), and so much more. The great thing about volunteering in the front office is the wealth of knowledge I have gained. Luke, the Fundraising and Communications Coordinator has taught me so much about social media, which I can now take and apply to my career.  It’s interesting how I started volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Wellington County to help others and yet I’m personally gaining a lot from my experiences.

Last Tuesday a friend and I went to help build at 28 Huron Street as part of their reading week blitz. I got the chance to put my painting stills to use and helped paint one side of the house. Volunteering at this build was a lot of fun, I met some great new friends and we had a blast rockin’ out to some old school Will Smith while we cut in, rolled and generally had a great time!

My experience volunteering at Habitat for Humanity Wellington County has been amazingly positive from day one. If you’re looking to volunteer I strongly recommend coming to Habitat for Humanity Wellington County, it’s really easy to sign-up on their Volunteer Hub, you get to pick the types of volunteering you want to do (ReStore, front office or build site), there’s pancake breakfasts,  and you meet so many other helpful and friendly people. Whether it’s at the Restore, in the office or out at the build site, I plan on continuing to volunteer and hopefully I’ll see you there!

A Great Day to Celebrate HFHWC Women Build!

Happy International Woman's Day to all the wonderful, strong and brave Women Builders of HFHWC. Today is a perfect day to let everyone know more about the Women Build 2012 project.

Gain self-confidence in the Women Build Program

To all our current Women Builders. Your commitment, support and fortitude is incomparable and extraordinary. From HFHWC Staff, Board of Directors and even Maddie (who could forget Maddie?), the 2011 Women Build project was simply spectacular because of you. Moving those two girls into their beautiful new rooms is a memory that will last a lifetime. GREAT WORK!

2012 will mark the third annual Women Build here in Guelph, and we want you to be part of it! Women Build is not about excluding men, but including women, in an environment that is comfortable and instructive. No experience is necessary! It’s about spirit, empowerment, solidarity, fun, learning and pride in working with a family to build a place they can call home.

The empowering initiative of Habitat for Humanity Wellington County, Women Build is an experience no woman should miss out on. It works to build the skills and confidence of women on the build site and has them leaving with a sense of accomplishment.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We are seeking strong dynamic women to assist in the planning committees:

• Volunteer Engagement
• Sponsorship
• Special Events
• Construction
• Public Relations

If you are interested in joining one of the committees contact Elizabeth for more information. We are also seeking individuals who are looking to volunteer on site and just want to build! Start an experience to a lifetime of friendship and helping those in need right now!

Empower Yourself to Learn and Help

To find out more information on how you can help, and to also read up on the committee descriptions, visit the Women Build webpage.

Help fight the issue of affordable housing Guelph, Wellington County in a womanly way!

HFHWC still needs you to help finish this home!

Update* The HFHWC Volunteer Appreciation Pancake Breakfast is rapidly approaching and we hope you can make it! Our volunteers are so important to helping us build homes in our communities. Here is a small way to say thanks! RSVP on the event Facebook page or with Annie Devitt.

In today's world, it can be rather hard to find the time to volunteer or to even think about volunteering. Nevertheless, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Wellington County comes with many rewarding benefits for you, your family and your community. By volunteering you have the opportunity to build new relationships, reach out to the community, gain new skills and possibly advance in your career. On top of all that, volunteering can help to preserve your mental and physical health.

The following are some of the many great benefits that should come to mind when considering volunteering with HFHWC.



Volunteering connects you to your community

One of the most rewarding benefits of volunteering is the impact you are making on the community. Volunteering is the glue that keeps the community together. It allows you to help your community grow, while improving it and making it a better place. Not only does volunteering impact your community, but it also can impact you and your family just as much as the cause you are helping.  

Volunteering helps to build new relationships

Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you to increase your social skills, widen your network and help you to gain new friends. By committing to a shared activity, you are opening yourself up to people with similar interests that can help you to practice and increase your social skills.

Volunteering is good for your mind and body

Volunteering can preserve your health and enhance your self-confidence, self-esteem and all together life satisfaction. You are giving you time to others and your community, which can give you a strong sense of accomplishment. Taking on the role of a volunteer comes with a sense of importance and identity. Having a positive view about yourself helps to give you a more positive outlook on your life and future goals.  Volunteering has been proven to lessen symptoms of chronic pain and heart disease. It’s an easy way to maintain an active lifestyle and increase your energy level.

Volunteer can Advance your career and help you to gain new skills

Volunteering can give you experience in your area of interest, as well as open doors for a new career by meeting people in the field. Volunteering allows you to learn news skills and practice the important skills needed in the workplace. Learn about teamwork, communication, problem solving, project management, multi-tasking and organization. You will be able to feel more comfortable transferring these skills into your own workplace once you have perfected them in a volunteer position.

Remember volunteering can be an exciting and simple way to discover new interests. Volunteering allows you to step outside of your usual everyday routine and add some extra excitement to your life. Who knows what kind of great hobby HFHWC has in store for you! 

Click here to register as a volunteer for HFHWC. Learn more about volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity Wellington County visit our website

Volunteering w/Habitat builds camaraderie

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.”

HFHWC Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Their Greatest Ambassador

HFHWC Executive Director, Diane Nelson speaks to Habitat's partnership with Whirlpool Canada

Habitat for Humanity Wellington County excitingly welcomed Whirlpool Canada back to Guelph on Remembrance Day in celebration of the Home Appliance Brand's centennial anniversary.

Both Whirlpool and HFHWC also welcomed a Habitat Partner Family to 'The Ward' neighbourhood.

Whirlpool Canada is the home sponsor of the 28 Huron St. build project. Their donation of $100,000 helped buoy the current home construction. In fact, this is the third time Whirlpool Canada has funded a HFHWC home construction in Guelph. The other houses are located on Morris and Johnston. Those projects were built in '07 and '09 respectively.

Along with providing a financial donation to Habitat for Humanity projects, the appliance company also gathers a crew of hard-working and dedicated volunteers who accumulate many hours on-site. In 2011, Whirlpool Canada contributed their largest volunteer database to help with the Huron St. construction. 150 volunteers accumulated nearly 1000 hours on-site over a period of six weeks.

Throughout the six weeks on-site, the Whirlpool Canada volunteers shared a wonderful experience learning new skills and working together as a team. They also shared kind words about this experience.

Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity has always been a fun way for me to get out into the community, provide a hard day's work, and learn something new. After my 4th build day I am still enjoying it as much as the first time. I also liked that I was able to contribute in my home town of Guelph this time around. This particular day was the earliest in the building process that I'd been involved where they had just poured the foundation and we were there to help backfill and pack dirt in and around the foundation. Certainly enjoyed the new experience of running the "jumping jack" and the other large packer. Thanks to the Habitat team for the great lunch and count me in for next year!

One of many Whirlpool Volunteer Crews that helped with construction of 28 Huron St.

Despite these wonderful endeavours, their commitment to Habitat for Humanity extends further as they donate a refrigerator, stove and washer/dryer to every single Habitat home built in Canada.

On this Remembrance Day those that gathered at 28 Huron St. held the courageous men and women that fought for our country in the back of their minds and reflected on the communities that these veterans fought to protect. For no such celebrations would be possible without the courageous efforts of our Armed Forces. It is also a day to remember the goodwill to exercise towards our neighbours in need, which became our duty to uphold after 1945.

Thanks to Whirlpool Canada for the outstanding work they perform in carrying out our vision

Finally, to the Armed Forces of Canada that fought for freedom. Thank you.

 LEST WE FORGET