Local Habitat for Humanity chapter completes 9th build in city

YORKTON – On Monday afternoon a crowd of volunteers, politicians, local media, and members of both the national and local chapters of Habitat for Humanity gathered at the site of Yorkton's newest Habitat home.

"Over the past year my family and I have completed 500 volunteer hours in the community and many hours towards building our home," said Tania Fleury, homeowner of the new property, adding, "along the way we had many volunteers help us with the build along with the White Spruce [Provincial Training Centre] – many donors and sponsors as well."

"My sons – Christian and Lane – and myself, would like to thank you all for everything that you have done," said Fleury, adding, "every time we would drive by our future home we would see the progress along the way and I could see the anticipation in my kids – and that look is definitely priceless."

"Today's events will definitely mark a milestone in my family's life forever," said Fleury.

"Our new owner, Tania and her family, has worked hard towards this home, putting in well over 500 hours of volunteer time," said Syliva Henheffer, Co-Chair of Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, Yorkton Chapter, in the opening remarks of the event.

"Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan has had a partnership with the Ministry of Justice that is now entering it's fourth year – we are proud to say that this is the third home corrections has built for a habitat family in Yorkton," said Henheffer, adding, "this is an outstanding program that provides the type of on-the-job training that makes it more likely offenders will be able to get a job after they are released from custody."

Yorkton MLA Greg Ottenbreit attended the event and spoke about the history of HFH in the province.

"Today we're celebrating the completion of a brand-new home for Habitat right here in Yorkton – more than that we're celebrating with a local family who will soon be presented with the keys to their new home," said Ottenbreit in his opening remarks to the crowd.  

"Habitat has created more than 200 home ownership units across Saskatchewan," said Ottenbreit, noting, "Saskatchewan Housing Corporation has provided Habitat with more than 12 million dollars since 2009 – more than half a million towards projects right here in Yorkton."

His Worship, Mayor Mitch Hippsely, was also in attendance to mark the occasion.

"The work that Habit for Humanity Saskatchewan – and specifically the Yorkton chapter – does here in our community is truly outstanding," said Mayor Mitch Hippsley, adding, "I cannot stress the importance of how our community steps up to the plate when asked – this is what makes Yorkton such a great place to live, to work and to raise families."

CEO of Habit for Humanity Canada, Julia Deans, made the trip from Ontario speak at the event.

"At Habitat for Humanity we know that homes are so much more than bricks and mortar and that every home actually changes lives – and it changes the lives of the children and of the families – and you're building strength and stability and security that you can rely on and everything that happens in the future," said Deans.

"Tania's worked really hard – I'm sure – to put herself in a position where she can buy this home and maintain it and that's because she knows it's going to give her the opportunity to build a brighter future for herself and for her children," said Deans, adding, "without the support of organizations like Westland – and all the people here – we can't continue to provide the safe and decent and affordable housing that we so desperately need across our country."

"The Westland Amplifying communities initiative is about supporting our communities and giving back to the projects that contribute in the communities that we're all involved with," said Connor Waldbauer, Branch Manager of Westland Insurance Group Yorkton.

"We had the opportunity to not only support financially, but also to help out on build days," said Waldbauer.  

"This is really a life changing moment," said Bruce Anderson, Board Chair for Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, adding, "this is the ninth home for habitat constructed by the Yorkton chapter – it's an amazing accomplishment – it really demonstrates the power of the community and the impact of their work to help change the lives of many people."