Volunteer Spotlight

This month Habitat for Humanity Wellington County would like to recognize Allan Berberich for his outstanding volunteerism. Al first came to volunteer with Habitat back in 2006 and has been a dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable volunteer ever since. Al is described as, “one of those ‘all-around’ volunteers, pitching in at every corner of our organization”

In 2010 Al volunteered a whopping 71.25 hours in the ReStore and 91 Hours at the build site and then in 2011 he inspired us all by devoting 137.5 hours to the ReStore and 71 hours at the Huron St. build site. Additionally, in 2011 Al not only provided great support to the Family Support Committee by helping to plan a workshop for our partner families to walk them through tax preparations, he also helped to mentor student volunteers at the Restore.

Other volunteers describe Al as a knowledgeable and reliable volunteer who is always there when you need him and always has a smile on his face! Al can consistently be counted on for any salvage or demolitions jobs and is more that willing to help show people the proper way to fix or assemble new products. No job is too big or small for Al to get involved in; he does not hesitate to pitch in whenever he sees a job that needs to get done!

Al has shown remarkable dedication and caring for the Habitat family he is the type of volunteer that we love to have here at Habitat for Humanity Wellington County. We are recognizing Al for being one of the only long-term volunteers who has made a continuous, ongoing commitment to both the build and the ReStore, with a gift card from Everyday Essentials. So here’s a BIG THANK YOU to Al Berberich for all of the magnificent volunteering he has done and with without a doubt continue to do!

THANKS AL!

For information on how you can get involved with Habitat for Humanity Wellington County visit us at Suite 300, 104 Dawson Road, Guelph, Ontario Canada N1H 1A7 or at

http://www.habitatwellington.on.ca/about.html

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

Habitat is Back in Centre Wellington

YOU’RE INVITED!!

Habitat for Humanity Wellington County is holding a Build Launch event on January 14^th 2012 at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus from 12 to 2. The Centre Wellington Build Committee is holding this launch event in support of the construction of a semi-detached house at 124 Forfar Street in Fergus, which will be built this spring and summer! It will be the first build project in Centre Wellington since 2003.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come on out and find out more about Habitat for Humanity Wellington County. There will be opportunities to:

§  Learn about the Habitat for Humanity organization

§  Be introduced to the project committee and Habitat for Humanity Wellington County staff

§  Apply to volunteer and become a Habitat Partner Family

§  Support fundraising events

§  Buy-A-Brick Fundraising and Donating

§  Adopt-A-Day Corporate Fundraising 

“We are thrilled to be building in Fergus again, for there are a lot of residents of this town that are deserving of the sustainability and structure homeownership can provide them,” said Diane Nelson, Executive Director of HFHWC.

 Currently, there are 2,965 Social Housing Units in Wellington County.  As of December 2007, 1370 applicants were on the waiting list.

§  Average wait times in 2008 for 1 bedroom (through social housing) in Wellington County was 3 to 5 years

§  2 and 3 bedrooms hovering around a 2 year wait time

 Affordable Housing can lead to improved health, education and economic opportunities for families at risk. It also lessens the financial burden on society in the areas of social services, justice and healthcare. 

 “Our government is committed to helping people who live on lower or fixed incomes stay in their home communities,” said MPP Sandals.

• With 1.7 million Canadian families living without adequate housing
• Over half a million Canadians paying more than 50% of their household income on shelter and food
• Just under 5 million Canadians (15.9%) having incomes below the Low-Income Cut-Off

2010 House on Bagot St.

Habitat for Humanity Wellington County is doing their part to help two very deserving families become homeowners.  

“Habitat for Humanity provided me a hand up by giving me the ability to lend my hand out to others,” said Melanie Fegan, Habitat Partner Family of the Elora home. 

In order to make the dream of a home a reality for a Centre Wellington family, we need you! So please visit us at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex from 12 to 2 on January 14, 2012 and find out more about volunteering, becoming a Partner family and sponsoring the build!