Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North is busy working to begin Phase II of a multi-phased construction project that will ultimately see 11 local families secure a safe and affordable place to call home.
Two of the planned 11 homes at 477 Hilchey Road, Campbell River, are completed and construction on the next four will begin in late March. In the meantime, staff and volunteers at the ReStore on Willow Street are slammed busy, collecting, sorting, cleaning and pricing items donated by individuals and local businesses to be sold in the ReStore.
“Some people may not realize the important role that the ReStore plays in ensuring that Habitat for Humanity is able to build homes,” says Campbell River ReStore General Manager, Donna Marie Lamb. “The ReStore is the social enterprise that funds our affiliate operations and helps to ensure that financial resources are available to support our construction projects. While I understand that volunteering on a build site sounds more exciting than helping at the ReStore, without our valued ReStore volunteers, we simply could not give back to our community in such a big way. Volunteers truly are the heart of our ReStores and we need more of them!”
The non-profit organization is putting out a call for ReStore volunteers for its receiving area, to help sort, clean, organize and price donations. They also need cashiers, electronics ‘fixers’ and metal recyclers.
“With the return of weekend garage sales only weeks away, we know that we will experience a significant – and most welcome – increase in donations,” adds Lamb. “To accommodate this increase, we need more help. Potential volunteers should be available to commit to at least one four-hour shift Mondays through Saturdays. No experience is necessary. An orientation and site safety training will be provided.”
Both businesses and members of the public Interested in donating housewares, home and garden items, art and decor, furniture, appliances or building materials are welcome to drop off donations at the ReStore, 1725B Willow Street, from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To drop off items, please drive around to the back receiving area, accessible off Tamarac Street. Habitat for Humanity will also pick up donations free of charge, including a new monthly donation pick-up service on Quadra Island. Please call 250-830-1493 in advance to arrange for pick ups.
Interested in volunteering at the ReStore? Call Donna Marie Lamb at 250-830-1493, ext. 225 or email Donna-Marie@habitatnorthisland.com. Learn more at www.HabitatNorthIsland.com/ReStore.
ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY VIN:
Since it was founded in 2004, Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North has built 12 homes in the Comox Valley and eight in Campbell River. They are currently embarking on the most ambitious period in their history, with plans to construct 19 more homes by 2020. A call for build volunteers will be going out in March.