Pictured: Jose Castro, 1993 and 2024

Free Press Community Review
//www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/east/2024/07/17/cycle-of-giving-continues

CBC Information Radio Manitoba
//www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-29-information-radio-mb/clip/16078740-a-winnipeg-man-says-moving-habitat-humanity-home

CTV News Winnipeg

//winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/changed-the-path-winnipeg-man-biking-to-support-habitat-for-humanity-1.6945644

The Start on CJOB

Global News at Six
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//globalnews.ca/video/10595734/global-news-at-6-winnipeg-june-28/

MEDIA RELEASE

June 26, 2024

Former Habitat Manitoba Child Rides in 2024 Spirit of Hope Cycling Fundraiser

Winnipeg, Manitoba – Jose Castro, 36, knows first-hand what it is like growing up in a Habitat for Humanity home. In 1991, Castro, his Mother, Father and four siblings moved into their home built by Habitat for Humanity Manitoba on Angus Street in Point Douglas.

Castro recounts a wonderful childhood in his Habitat home and neighbourhood. Calling on friends next door, exploring the area, impromptu hockey games and his first bike donated by a generous community member, sparked his lifelong love of cycling.

Next week, Castro will ride in Habitat Manitoba’s Spirit of Hope cycling fundraiser along with 40 other riders who have dedicated themselves to training and fundraising on behalf of Habitat Manitoba.

Spirit of Hope, now in its 5th year, is a three-day adventure that gives cyclists a taste of a long distance, fully supported ride designed for beginners and intermediates. From July 3-5, 2024, Spirit of Hope ventures east through the picturesque landscape of Lake of the Woods, Ontario.

“Cycling makes me happy and gives me a sense of peace. I am riding in Spirit of Hope because it’s a great way to connect with my roots, it gives me a special purpose and it’s a joy to have an opportunity to help families get a home, feel safe and welcome, like my family was helped out,” says Castro. “My experience with Habitat Manitoba has been a blessing from the day we moved in all the way up to the day we sold the house in 2005 and continues to be till this day through the friendships I still maintain.”

Habitat Manitoba built 18 homes on Angus Street and this was the first multiple home dwelling of its kind for the organization that culminated in The Jimmy Carter Work Project coming to Winnipeg for the first time in 1993. Castro has fond memories of growing up in his Habitat home and believes the influence of growing up in a friendly, inclusive community has helped shape his character and is an indication how he treats others in adulthood.

“My Mom and Dad had to work tirelessly just to survive in our home country of El Salvador. They needed a safe place to raise their children, so that we could grow up healthy and happy,” says Castro. “Habitat Manitoba has given hard-working families like mine a chance to thrive. This is something that everyone can get behind as it benefits the community and everyone connected to it.”

Castro currently lives in East Kildonan with his wife, dog and cat, and works at CN, who have been extremely generous by sponsoring Spirit of Hope this year.

“CN is proud to give back to communities where our railroaders live, work and play,” says Suzanne Dalzell, Head of Strategic Partnerships. “We salute our CN railroader Jose Castro and his participation in the Spirit of Hope cycling event that will help Habitat Manitoba build future homes for families in need.”

Habitat Manitoba is working on the largest build in its history on Pandora Avenue West in Transcona that will eventually be home to 55 Habitat Partner families when completed in 2026. The cost to build one Habitat home at the Pandora Avenue West development is over $260,000 (excluding land). Spirit of Hope event participants have raised approximately $100,000 to date, but the riders are still determined to raise more and need the help of Manitoba! Support these riders by donating at habitat.mb.ca.

Habitat Manitoba also wishes to thank the following 2024 Spirit of Hope sponsors Prolex Media, Tétro Design and Woodcock Cycle Works.  

About Habitat for Humanity Manitoba 

Habitat for Humanity Manitoba (Habitat Manitoba) brings communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. Habitat homeowners provide a solid foundation for better, healthier lives in Canada and around the world. Since 1987, Habitat Manitoba has collaborated with local businesses, organizations, groups and thousands of dedicated volunteers to build homes for over 500 families in the province and Kenora, Ontario. Learn more at habitat.mb.ca.

For more information:

Christa Mariash, Vice President, Marketing, Communications & Philanthropy
Habitat for Humanity Manitoba
Email: [email protected]
O: 204-233-5160 ext. 216
C: 204-299-5956