For three decades, Habitat for Humanity Red Deer has helped provide places to live for dozens of families.
The nonprofit organization is set to host a 30th anniversary celebration at the Habitat ReStore location in Gasoline Alley from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Items throughout the entire store will be 20 per cent off throughout the day. Additionally, the event will feature games, pet adoption opportunities with Saving Grace Animal Shelter, the Red Deer Food Bank’s food truck and door prizes.
“In a few weeks time we’ll be wrapping up on our build in Evergreen in Red Deer – that will be our 47th to 50th homes because we’re building two duplexes there,” Karen Vavrek, who has been Habitat for Humanity Red Deer CEO for the past seven and a half years.
“As we finish this build, we’re already starting the fundraising for our next build. Although we won’t be announcing where that is just yet.”
The need for housing “has never been greater,” said Vavrek.
“It’s one of the top concerns for most Central Albertans, and Canadians alike,” said Vavrek.
“We’re pleased to play a part in trying to address the affordable housing crisis. It’s important for us to partner with families that are lower income and have lived in housing situations that are not ideal. Working with community partners, donors and supporters, we’re able to build these homes and provide a stable foundation for these families.
“Each family has to do 500 volunteer hours and they have to repay an affordable mortgage geared to their income to be eligible to be in the program and partner with us. It’s a big commitment that families make. … It usually take 10 to 12 months for us to complete a build and for the families to complete their hours.”
The ReStore opened in Gasoline Alley in March 2022. The proceeds from operations at the social enterprise retailer go towards Habitat for Humanity Red Deer and help build homes.
“We’ve been very busy since opening this expanded store. It’s about 40 per cent larger than our previous location in North Red Deer,” Vavrek said.
“It’s been over two years in this location. Word of mouth has spread and we’re continuing to get good donations from companies and individuals, which we always do need.”
Habitat for Humanity is also getting set to host its first ever Garden Party at the Hilltop Event Centre in Sylvan Lake on May 31. The event will feature live auctions, live music, food and drinks under the stars. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.habitatreddeer.ca.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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