From Habitat Home to Giving Back: Brothers Ride in Cycle of Hope 2025 

For brothers Jose and Carlos Castro, this summer’s Cycle of Hope 2025 is more than just a cycling challenge, it’s personal.

Jose, now 36, knows firsthand the life-changing impact of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba. In 1991, his family moved into their Habitat home on Angus Street in Winnipeg’s Point Douglas neighbourhood. That home gave the Castro family the foundation to build a better life.

For Jose, one of his fondest childhood memories was receiving his very first bike from a generous community member, sparking his lifelong love of cycling.

Last year, Jose rode in Spirit of Hope. This year, he’s coming full circle, bringing his brother Carlos along with him to take on Cycle of Hope 2025 together.

“Cycling makes me happy and gives me peace,” says Jose. “Last year, I rode to give back. This year, it’s even more special having my brother by my side. Habitat gave our family a safe home to grow up in, now we’re helping other families have that same chance.”

Since 1994, Habitat Manitoba’s cycling events have raised vital funds to build homes for families in need. This year’s Cycle of Hope will take riders on an unforgettable 4-day, 305 km adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Lake of the Woods, Ontario, including Kenora, Minaki, Rushing River, and more.

The amazing network of Cycle of Hope riders and supporters have a goal to raise $100,000 to help build safe, affordable homes, including at our largest project ever: 55 homes at Pandora Avenue West in Winnipeg.

For Jose and Carlos, this ride is about giving another family the same safe, stable foundation that shaped their childhood and their future.

Your support can change lives — learn more and help us with our goal to continue building more homes for families who partner with us to buy their very own first home    www.habitat.mb.ca/events/cycle-of-hope/

IJL’s Pouring Hope Event Raises $200,000 for Habitat Manitoba 

We are deeply grateful to Independent Jewellers (IJL) for hosting Pouring Hope, an incredible third-party fundraising event in support of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba.

Thanks to the generosity of IJL, sponsors, and attendees, the event raised an astounding $200,000, a contribution that will have a lasting impact on families across our province.

Funds from Pouring Hope will directly support the development of multiple homes for hard-working, low-income families. Through Habitat Manitoba’s affordable homeownership program, these families will gain the opportunity to purchase their homes at fair market value with no down payment, no interest, and mortgage payments set at just 27% of household income.

The success of this event is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when community, compassion and commitment come together.

Thank you, IJL, for your incredible support and for helping us build homes, stability and brighter futures for Manitoban families.

Build with a Bomber and Make Plays That Matter! 

While the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are hitting the field this week, we’ve got another kind of game plan and you’re invited to join the team.

The 2025 Winnipeg Blue Bombers House Build is here and this is your chance to build more than just momentum. Work side-by-side with your favourite Bombers players as we help build a safe, affordable home for a local family in need.

Ready to make a real impact?

Choose your Build Day: October 1 or 2, 2025
Location: Habitat for Humanity Build Site – Pandora Avenue West

Team Options:
• 10-Person Team – $5,499
• 4-Person Team – $2,199
• Individual – $549

Your VIP Benefits Include:

 Build alongside a Winnipeg Blue Bombers player
Exclusive Bombers x Habitat co-branded T-shirt
Invitation to our VIP Appreciation Event at the Pinnacle Club (Oct 22)
Catered lunch, team photo, & digital memories
Social media recognition + partial tax receipt
And the best part? Seeing a family receive the keys to their new home

This is more than a build, it’s a championship moment for your team, your business, and your community. Don’t miss your shot to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Deadline to sign up: Friday, September 12

Click HERE to secure your individual or group spot

Darrel Forest Rides 24-Hours for Habitat Manitoba 

On June 20th, Darrel Forest set out on a mission of heart, hope, and endurance: to cycle for 24 hours straight in support of affordable homeownership. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.

Darrel’s second annual “24 Hours of Heart” ride took off from Saint Adolphe at 6:00 a.m., with a goal to raise $15,000, and to ride for 24-hours all to support Habitat Manitoba’s efforts to build homes for low-income families. Darrel pushed his physical limits, and he rallied community support in a big way. Darrel surpassed his goal and raised an incredible $17,209.55!

Riding through day and night, Darrel was joined by members of the Green Route, Woodcock Cycle and Red River Cycling Clubs, who took turns pacing with him. Friends, supporters, and volunteers cheered him on along the route and his family delivered snacks and encouragement to keep him going.

Darrel trained for months in preparation for this ride, often logging up to 500 kilometres per week. That commitment paid off. With sore legs and a full heart, he completed his incredible ride and inspired an outpouring of generosity from donors across Manitoba.

“Some families deserve a home,” Darrel said. “So why not do something hard to help them achieve that.”

A Day of Joy and New Beginnings 

On Thursday, June 5, 2025, we proudly welcomed four more families home at a moving Key Ceremony held at our Pandora Avenue West development in Transcona, the largest build project in our organization’s 37-year history.

“I can’t believe we’ve come to this. I’ve worked very hard, believe me, so it’s a very glorious day to be here,” said Tesfaye. “It hasn’t been easy. It’s a very hard life.”

“This is a dream come true,” said Aslan Sejdi, who lives with his wife Eljifa and their four daughters. “This means a lot to me and my family, and we’re so grateful for this opportunity. This day is full of happiness.”

To date, 25 families have moved into their homes at Pandora Avenue West. Once complete, the 55-home development will provide safe, affordable housing for approximately 275 people, including 175 children. Ten more families are scheduled to move in later this year, with the final 20 homes to be completed in 2026.

This milestone was made possible thanks to generous support from our partners, including Spirit of Hope, Cycle of Hope, Ride Around the Lake, Women Build Committee and funding from all levels of government.

With additional projects underway in Brandon, Neepawa, and on Panet Road in Winnipeg, we continue to work hard to build homes, hope, and stronger communities across the province.

Thank you to our donors, volunteers, sponsors and community partners who make this work possible. Support future Habitat homeowners by donating today.

A New Beginning in Selkirk  

Just a couple of weeks ago, we celebrated a heartwarming milestone with a Habitat Manitoba Key Ceremony in Selkirk, Manitoba, where another Habitat family officially received the keys to their new home. Surrounded by community members, volunteers, and Habitat supporters, the event was filled with joy, gratitude and hope for the future. 

Key ceremonies are a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with compassion and purpose. Congratulations to our newest Habitat homeowners — we’re so excited for all the memories you’ll create in your new home! 

Thank you to everyone who helped make this build possible — your support continues to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.

Breaking Ground in Neepawa: A New Chapter, A New Home 

We’re thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone in the community of Neepawa, our newest Habitat Manitoba Chapter has officially broken ground on their very first home build! 

On Monday, May 26, 2025, the Neepawa Chapter held its inaugural groundbreaking ceremony. With shovels in hand, partner family Ritchel and members of the local Habitat steering committee gathered alongside community supporters, donors, and volunteers to mark the beginning of this exciting project. 

This 970-square-foot home, featuring two bedrooms and a basement, is located near the former East View Lodge property and represents a new beginning for Ritchel and her family. 

Only one year since forming, the Neepawa Chapter has shown what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Led by Steering Committee Chair John Lavich and a strong team of volunteer leaders, the chapter has brought together local businesses, contractors, and residents who have generously donated their time, funds and materials to make this project a reality. 

Welcome to the Habitat family, Neepawa. We’re so proud of what you’ve accomplished and this is only the beginning. 

Winnipeg Executives Association Members Build Hope and Homes 

Habitat for Humanity Manitoba had the pleasure of welcoming members of the Winnipeg Executives Association (WEA) to our Pandora Avenue West build site for a hands-on day of community impact.

Jamie Hall, Habitat Manitoba’s CEO, is a proud member of the WEA and was excited to host fellow business leaders and executives from across the city. These dedicated professionals stepped away from the boardroom and joined us on-site, picking up hammers, laying joists and contributing directly to the construction of affordable homes for local families.

The group worked shoulder-to-shoulder with other leaders, demonstrating firsthand Habitat Manitoba’s deep commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships and building stronger communities through action.

The WEA has long been a pillar of business excellence and community connection in Winnipeg and this build day was a powerful example of what happens when mission-driven organizations come together in service of something bigger.

To learn more about how your business or team can get involved in a Habitat Team Build Day, visit habitat.mb.ca/team-build.

All Hands on Deck: Habitat Manitoba Staff Team Build Day   

At Habitat Manitoba, our staff is dedicated to supporting every effort it takes to build homes, empower families, raise funds, and share our mission. This summer, our team had the chance to roll up their sleeves and take part in a special experience: our very own Staff Team Build Day.

In a powerful show of unity and purpose, our Administrative, ReStore and Construction teams recently picked up hammers for a staff Team Build Day at our Pandora Avenue West development. From communications and finance to leadership and support staff, everyone came together on the build site with one goal: to help create safe, affordable homes for Manitoban families.

While the staff took pride in building the foundation for homes, it was about reconnecting with our mission and with each other. Working side by side, we were reminded of the very real impact our day-to-day efforts have when brought together in the field.

The energy on site was incredible, the laughs were plentiful and the sense of pride in our shared purpose was undeniable. It was a meaningful reminder that every role at Habitat contributes to something bigger, and when we come together as a team, we can build something great for our shared community.

From Manitoba to Fiji: Sandra’s Habitat Global Village Journey 

We’re so proud to share that Sandra Froese, Habitat Manitoba’s dedicated Construction Project Manager, will be taking her passion for housing justice across the globe through Habitat’s Global Village Program in Lautoka, Fiji this fall.

Sandra has been helping families across Manitoba build strength and stability through affordable homeownership for the past two years. Now, she’s embarking on a new chapter in her Habitat journey, volunteering from October 25 to November 1 to support a family in Fiji in constructing a safe place to call home.

In Lautoka City, more than 20,000 people live in informal settlements without access to basic services like clean water, safe sanitatio or reliable shelter. Sandra and her fellow Global Village team members will work hand-in-hand with local tradespeople and volunteers to build a brighter future for a family.

To make this life-changing experience possible, Sandra is raising funds to help cover her program expenses, including accommodations, meals, and in-country transportation.

“I’m honoured to have the opportunity to support a family in Fiji,” says Sandra. “This is about standing with communities around the world who deserve the same safe and stable future we work toward here at home.”

You can be a part of Sandra’s journey. Every donation, big or small, brings her one step closer to Fiji and helps build a better future for a family in need.

Click here to donate and support Sandra’s Global Village trip.

Let’s show Sandra our support as she brings Habitat’s mission to life at home and abroad.