15 Habitat Manitoba families receive keys and mark the beginning of a new chapter of life

Habitat for Humanity Manitoba celebrated a historical key ceremony on Thursday, September 18 by welcoming the first 15 families home to the Pandora Avenue West development in Transcona.  

These homes provide stability and security for these families through Habitat’s affordable homeownership program, offering families an opportunity to purchase a safe and decent home through a unique financing partnership.   

This development is the largest and most ambitious project in Habitat Manitoba’s history, and will be home to a total of 55 families when completed in 2026. 

Habitat’s path to homeownership is an involved and in-depth process that requires hard work, time and commitment by the future homeowners, all of which helps to strengthen their long-term success. In fact, did you know that the largest source of funding for building Habitat Manitoba homes are the mortgage payments made by our 260+ families who are benefiting from the Habitat model in providing safe and decent homes for their children? 

The second largest source of funds are from the generous individual donors, and businesses, organizations and corporations who sponsor and collaborate with us in so many ways to work alongside our families. 

The celebration was a reminder of what can be accomplished when communities come together to share in a common goal of helping each other. 

Please see additional local media coverage here.  

Celebrating the Success of the 18th Annual Ride Around the Lake

This year’s, Ride Around the Lake cycling fundraiser, welcomed 58 dedicated athletes who embody generosity, commitment and dedication to community. This amazing group of cyclists, along with an incredible team of support volunteers, came together in Kenora, ON to do what they love, enjoy each other’s company and raise funds for low income, working families with the dream of homeownership and a better future for their children.     

Thanks to the unwavering support of friends, family, and their networks, these athletes achieved something remarkable—raising over $460,000, which will be used towards the construction of two new homes for local Habitat families. 

We are deeply grateful to every participant, the tireless volunteer team, our generous sponsors, donors, and the wider community who rallied behind this cause. Your dedication helped us surpass our fundraising goal of $400,000, making this event a resounding success and one of Habitat Manitoba’s largest event fundraisers in history! 

From September 6-8, the riders embarked on an inspiring journey, cycling to the Ogimawaabiitong Youth and Family Wellness Camp on day one, Rushing River Provincial Campground on day two, and Redditt on day three. Throughout the three days, the team covered more than 300 kilometers and climbed a challenging 2,390 meters, experiencing breathtaking views of the Precambrian Shield, passing serene lakes, majestic rock formations and the lush beauty of boreal forests. 

This event would not have been possible without the generosity of our outstanding sponsors: Qualico, Winnipeg Building & Decorating, Pollard Banknote, Parrish & Heimbecker, Murray Auto Group, Palliser, Bobby Wall Homes & Estates, RBC Dominion Securities, Johnston Group, and RBC. 

We also want to extend special thanks to our supporting sponsors: Alter Ego Sports, GarmaTech, Pure Lifestyle, OMNIGLASS, Tétro Design, Tom Thomson Photography and The Zen Den. 

See the 2024 Ride Around the Lake photos here. 

Retirement Announcement

It is with deep gratitude and a touch of sadness that we announce the retirement of our beloved colleague, Vernelle Mirosh, Director of Fund Development, after 9 years of exceptional service to Habitat Manitoba.

Vernelle has raised millions of dollars to help us build homes in Winnipeg and across Manitoba, but her efforts extend beyond the money raised. It was the care and thoughtfulness she showed to every single person she encountered.

The driving force behind her work at Habitat Manitoba was helping families break the cycle of poverty by ensuring they had a safe and decent place to rest their head at night. During her time with Habitat Manitoba she has cultivated deep, long lasting relationships with many donors, sponsors, volunteers and staff. She has been the face and the heart of Habitat Manitoba for many of our most significant donors.

From a phone call, to a coffee, to a hand written card or even a bouquet of flowers at a critical time in someone’s life – she was always there. We all have so much to learn from Vernelle in maintaining strong relationships and even friendships with those who help us fulfill our vision.

Her passion, work ethic and dedication have left a lasting mark, and we know that her contributions have changed the lives of many families and made a deep impact in the affordable housing landscape in Manitoba.

Vernelle, we wish you all the happiness, relaxation, and peace as you step into the next phase of life. Enjoy the time with your husband, daughter and three beautiful grandchildren.

Vernelle’s last day with the organization is on October 31, 2024. If you’d like to send your well wishes to Vernelle please email [email protected] and we will pass them on to Vernelle.

Levitt-Safety – there for us on a rainy day

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Levitt-Safety for their generous donation of rain ponchos for the volunteers, companies and businesses who participated in the Habitat Team Build Day prgoram this season. These ponchos are helping our volunteers and staff stay dry on those wet days as they continue building homes for Manitoban families. Your support ensures that the hard work can carry on, no matter the weather, and helps us move closer to providing safe, affordable housing for those in need.  

Building Walls, Building Bonds with the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences  

The Rady Faculty of Health Sciences has partnered with Habitat Manitoba for their 5th home sponsorship build. The Rady Faculty of Health Sciences offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate educational programs in the health professions and basic medical sciences to more than 3,100 students each year.   

On June 5, 6, 7, 11, 14, we welcomed 43 volunteers from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. “Key to Health” was the theme of the build. Thank you to the following groups: College of Dentistry, Rehab Sciences, College of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and the College of Nursing.  

The Rady Faculty of Health Sciences focuses on health and social well-being, and believes that social responsibility and accountability are core values for their students, faculty and staff. They recognize that housing is a social determinant of health and that too many children and families cannot afford safe housing. Habitat believes that safe, decent and affordable housing is a “key to health” and leads to better outcomes including improved health, education success and self-esteem.  

Faculty and students from the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry and the School of Dental Hygiene rolled up their sleeves to join us at our 900 Pandora Avenue West development. This remarkable group – including professors, students, and support staff – demonstrated the true spirit of community as they tackled construction challenges with enthusiasm and heart. 

Their collective efforts were felt not just physically, but emotionally, as new friendships were forged and a deeper connection to the community was formed. 

Participants included Dr. Paul Sandstrom from Microbiology, Dr. Chris Cottick from Dentistry, and soon-to-be Doctor Mary Bertone, Director of the School of Dental Hygiene, among others. While a few crooked nails may have hinted at stubborn wood, the camaraderie was unwavering. The group left with sore muscles and full hearts, having contributed to something far bigger than themselves – helping to build homes for families in need. 

Their experience serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and the importance of stepping outside everyday routines to give back. This team exemplified what it means to come together for a greater cause, embodying Habitat Manitoba’s core values of service, community and empowerment 

You are my Sonshine

Evelyn has been a dedicated volunteer for years, and Sam, inspired by his first Habitat build with his school last year, wanted to share this experience with his Mom. Together, they made a meaningful impact and created cherished memories. It’s moments like these that truly highlight the spirit of Habitat Manitoba. We can’t do this work alone and it takes a community to come together to make the dream of homeownership possible.   

Honouring the Legacy of Ken McCrae

Ken McCrae was more than just a dedicated board member at Habitat Manitoba – he was a passionate advocate for building a better future through affordable housing. Over his 10-year board term, he helped shape the organization’s growth and impact. Following his passing, the McCrae family decided to honour his memory through a yearly McCrae Family Build Day. We are incredibly grateful for the McCrae family’s continued commitment to Habitat Manitoba and Ken’s legacy with our organization. Through their generosity, Ken’s vision of providing homes for those in need continues, leaving a lasting mark on Manitoba’s landscape. 

Valuable Virden Chapter Volunteers

Habitat Manitoba’s Virden Chapter’s recently completed build highlights the remarkable commitment of local volunteers, especially three retirees: Brian, Robert and Dave. Alongside Chapter Chair, Karen McKinnon, these hardworking volunteers have spent every day from June to September building a home for a local family. With backgrounds in farming, oil fields and construction, their teamwork and camaraderie have turned the build site into a place of fun and productivity. 

Their dedication, humor, and passion for giving back, even in retirement, have made a significant impact on this project. The trio even affectionately named their mobile scaffolding “George,” a key figure in their efforts. Together, they have made it possible for a family to soon have a new home to grow in. 

This build stands as a testament to the power of community and volunteerism. Habitat Manitoba is incredibly thankful for the hard work and dedication shown by Brian, Robert, Dave, Karen and all those who have helped make this project a reality. 

Habitat Kids Go to Camp!

During the months of July and August, 29 Habitat kids experienced Camp Arnes thanks to a generous donor who covered the cost.    

The campership was available to three different age groups, Explorers, ages 8-10, Challengers, ages 11-13, and Stokers, ages 14-15. 

There is a special connection between Habitat Manitoba and Camp Arnes. Vern Koop was the former Director of Construction at Habitat Manitoba.  He was an instrumental part of Habitat Manitoba’s success. Vern also was very involved in Camp Arnes. There is a building at the camp named “The Vern and Agnes Koop Memorial Lighthouse”. Vern passed away in February 2019.   

Habitat Manitoba would like to extend a huge thank you to Camp Arnes and their generous donor for giving these children the experience of a lifetime. 

House Party Hiatus  

We will not be holding our annual House Party in 2024. We are taking some time to reimagine this special event. We are so grateful to all of the donors, sponsors, attendees and volunteers who have made this event possible year after year. Habitat Manitoba is looking at new ways to engage, thank and celebrate our loyal donors, sponsors and volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering on a skilled-based committee to help us with our fundraising efforts then we want to hear from you!  Please contact Christa Mariash, VP, Marketing, Communications & Philanthropy at [email protected].  

Manitoba REALTORS® Shelter Foundation raises $30,025 for Habitat Manitoba

We would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who braved the wind and rain to attend the 16th Brian M. Collie Memorial Shelter Classic golf tournament hosted by the Manitoba  REALTORS® Shelter Foundation. Your participation made a significant impact, helping us raise an impressive $30,025 for Manitoban families.

This year’s partnership between the Foundation and Habitat for Humanity Manitoba brings us closer to the goal of building a home for a local family. Your support truly makes a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your commitment and generosity!

Thank you for being part of this important cause.

1000 Hours of Dedication to Habitat Manitoba

View CTV Winnipeg News story here.