Several staff members were thrilled to volunteer their time and skills at the Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce multi-unit build site in the Saugeen Ojibway Nation community of Nawash on August 27. Bruce Power supports the not-for-profit organization through its Corporate Social Responsibility and also made an in-kind donation of a crew-cab pickup truck in the spring of 2018. Here’s a Q&A with Christine John, Communications Specialist at Bruce Power, about why she participated in the build.
Have you volunteered for a Habitat for Humanity build before? If so, when?
This was my fourth time volunteering on a Habitat build. My first two were about 8 years ago. I also helped at the first home they built in Nawash last winter.
Why did you volunteer for this one?
Firstly, I really enjoy the experience of helping on a Habitat build. There’s a lot of camaraderie at the site with everyone working towards the same goal. There’s also a lot of positivity and helpfulness among the people at the site. Secondly, I am so excited about the massive project Habitat for Humanity is undertaking in the community of Nawash. This is a first for Habitat and for Nawash – four home being built at once.
Tell us a bit about the experience.
It wasn’t my first build, but I was kept busy doing various tasks throughout the day. I worked on cutting plastic covering the walls in the crawl space of a house, moving some scaffolding, unloading windows, doors and siding from two trucks and just general cleanup of the site.
Would you recommend others participate in a Habitat build? Why?
I would definitely recommend others to participate in a Habitat build because not only do you feel accomplished at the end of the day, it’s just an amazing experience to witness so many people coming together to work hard for a great cause. Volunteers may even get a chance to meet the new home owners and to work alongside them on their new home.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Habitat for Humanity is really a great way to get involved. The beauty of volunteering is you don’t have to be experienced in any particular skill, you simply have to want to help and learn and it all works out.
If you’re interested in volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce, check out their website for more information.