The mission of Habitat for Humanity is to put roofs over heads. For building 74 homes in Southwestern Ontario since 1993, with plans to complete another five by the end of this year, the organization has been nominated for the Pillar Community Awards.
Those who are involved with this organization are so pleased to be recognized for all their hard work. Ashley Bannerman, a student volunteer, enjoys the work she does to help families who are in need.
“It’s important to build shelters for those who are less fortunate because they are human too and it gives them a sense of security and safety. I strongly believe that this organization deserves this award since it has come such a long way and helped so many families.”
This has been a time of growth for Habitat Heartland, going from about 1,500 volunteers in 2017 to more than 2,100 so far in 2018. Brian Elliot, CEO of Habitat for Humanity in London, has many plans for the organization in the future.
“Right now we’re looking at different land opportunities so we can build more of a multi family unit. We will continue on to look at our ReStore operations and where we can go in the future. We are certainly not going to sit still because we are always looking at how we can be a better organization and how we can do more to serve our community.”
Elliot also plans to expand from the current six ReStores, which are social enterprises selling used or donated building materials , to eight.
The Pillar Community Awards are an annual London tradition saluting people and agencies that make the city better. Twelve finalists in four categories are nominated for the awards, presented by Pillar Nonprofit Network, an umbrella group supporting more than 610 non-profit organizations. Elliot feels honoured to be selected for this award.
“We are extremely honoured to be nominated, especially in this category. It’s a bit of a game changer for us, in terms of being validated by the community and the work that we’re doing. It really highlights our strategic vision and we see this as an opportunity to ramp up how we help families in the future.”
Habitat Heartland is already on a roll, recently winning a national-impact award from the Habitat for Humanity organization itself, as well as a community award from the London Home Builders’ Association.
The Pillar Community Innovation Awards ceremony is Nov. 22. Award recipients will receive $2,000 to be directed to the registered charity of their choice.