February 2012

Wow! Where did January go? It seems like just a moment ago we were coming back from Christmas Break!

Things are sometimes a little slower in January from the point of numbers of volunteers and Groups, but construction continues.

If you were thinking of coming out, now would be a GREAT time!

4572 is pushing towards a strong completion. Finishing is underway and the current focus is painting trim and flooring. There is a PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) coming up that will certify the unit “ready to Go” and Brian is moving forward on all fronts.

Macey is also transforming nicely. The last two units are being framed and the roof will be on this week. The other four have windows and interior finishing is the order of the day. This means that working in the units is not anywhere near as cold as working outside, and our teams are making good progress.

Acme experienced some delays at the start that has kept us behind our timelines. We have sent a team to frame up the first two units and get a roof on so we can close-in and get some heat in the units. This means there is lots to do and it is also some inside work, which will be a real blessing if the weather changes and winter actually arrives!

I want to let the Crew Leaders know there is a Reading Week February 21-25^th, 2012 coming up where many of the universities and colleges fundraise and send teams to build. If you have worked with this segment of volunteers before you will know that they are high energy and very willing helpers, who need some guidance to have a great day. That is where the crew leaders come in! With your guidance and encouragement, these folks can become friends of Habitat for Humanity Toronto for life! It is a worthwhile and fun week, so I would encourage you to book shifts as often as possible, and Acme is the place to focus on!

We have also started discussions about Women’s Build days. This is NOT going to be a blitz, but will be a series of days in May where the women who love to build together can have the space and opportunity to put Habitat for Humanity Toronto into their calendar. They plan to raise funds for the build and look forward to a great, productive and fun event while they help us do some seriously good work here in the City of Toronto. Stay tuned for more news. Anyone with particular questions should contact Leah Harder, our Volunteer Coordinator at 416-407-6967.

Hope to see you at one of the work sites in February

Thanks for all that you do. Your work encourages us and is a great gift to those who work with you on the build sites.

We are always on the lookout for good ideas. If you think of something that will help us with volunteers, make the build site a better place or improve our training and teamwork, please drop me a line at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call me at 416-755-7353 X 270. Thanks.

Pat Laforet
Director of Build Site Experience

Block Leader Profile

Farouk Fyzul has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity Toronto since August 2009. He began volunteering to procure hours for his carpentry apprenticeship. With his knowledge of the trades, he was a natural Crew Leader. Since his first build at Hainford, he has volunteered at William’s Way, 4572 Kingston Rd, and Macey & St. Dunstan. Although Farouk started out with the goal to gain hours towards his apprenticeship, he found himself really enjoying his volunteer work and giving back to his community. He continued volunteering well beyond his required hours and even turned down paying jobs so he could continue with Habitat. Farouk’s volunteerism inspired a change in his career path from carpentry to policing, where he feels his actions will benefit the community further. Farouk is currently halfway through the RCMP’s hiring process.

When asked what he enjoys most about being a Crew Leader, Farouk states that he loves to help others, meet new people, and work in an environment where everyone is giving back to the community. Crew Leading allows him to apply his knowledge of construction in a way that benefits his neighbours, which he finds personally fulfilling. Farouk’s commitment towards getting Toronto families out of the poverty cycle is always welcome and appreciated. Thank you, Farouk. We wish you all the best in your policing career!

 
Block Leader Profile

Bruce Lowther started volunteering in June of 2004 shortly after retiring. He saw an ad in the Scarborough Mirror and thought it would be a great opportunity to learn how to build a home and help those in need at the same time. Bruce remembers that his first job was in the Tool Trailer on site handing out tools, and his first job building was to build steps for one of the homes. Since then, Bruce has worked at various sites including 4200 Kingston Rd, Lakeshore Village, Giltspur, Hainford, William’s Way, Macey, and Acme. Bruce figures he has helped on at least 100 homes!

Bruce is a wonderful help to the site supers and Crew Leaders as one of Habitat Toronto’s Block Leaders.  He enjoys passing on his vast knowledge and skills and motivating Crew Leaders and volunteers.  Bruce feels that this allows him to see the job from a different job perspective than the average volunteer.

The best thing that has come out of his volunteering for Bruce is the various people he has met throughout the years: from all types of backgrounds, ages, and skill sets.

Bruce currently volunteers at Acme Crescent in Etobicoke four or five days a week. He is especially helpful on site as he is licensed to use all the machinery. He also acts as a Volunteer Auxiliary Police Officer with Toronto Police Services. It must be the experience with the TPS that urged Bruce to drive by the Acme site every day over the winter holiday without even being asked! Bruce is a true gift to the Habitat family.