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Building on houses has begun! Get involved by volunteering or donating time, money or supplies. Contact Us to get involved.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Habitat for Humanity Virden Chapter Dedication Ceremony

Jim Patterson, Secretary HFHV, giving the opening address:
"First of all, we give thanks to God who has granted each of us another day of life so that we could all be here to celebrate together. We welcome our honoured guests who will be introduced in due course. And welcome to each one of you who have come to be part of this celebration.

Just one year ago tomorrow, a bunch of interested persons met in St. Andrew's Church to see if we could put together a Habitat Steering Committee. The historic minute of that occasion makes dull reading, but once one knows the personality of each of the persons who go with the names of those present, the dullness disappears. The curtain goes up on a fascinating drama whose final scene, in what we hope is only the first act, is today.

With the abilities and imaginations of just those 15 persons, we could probably have set out to conquer the world. Instead, we set out to put building and people together in order to make real a vision for Virden that was first advanced by Ken Wardle of the Presbyterian Church some years ago. Now, in the space of just one year, we have two dwellings ready for two families.

The Steering Committee welcomes you to this very special day. This dedication has been made possible by around 120 building volunteers, some very capable trades, nourished by food provided by over 200 donors, with cash and in kind donations large and small from many generous donors here and across Canada- and by our partners the Garcia family and the Horn family who will very soon be moving in to these houses we are dedicating today. I add to that distinguished list, the elf crew, a group of feisty seniors who came by night to keep the garbage removed and the cleanliness of the site under control. And let us not forget Roger Branum and his able workers who laid for us a solid and well measured foundation up to the first floor.

Now, I turn this event over to the very capable and calloused hands of our Chairperson, Karen McKinnon."

The event and speeches continued on  today as a large number of volunteers, committee members, sponsors and people from the area turned out to watch the official dedication ceremony of the first rural project in Manitoba for Habitat for Humanity.
Speeches were made by the
Honourable Larry Maguire,
the Mayor of Virden and Steve Kraun
from Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg. 

The families and their houses were each blessed in turn and then Nancy and Marvin gave speeches straight from the heart. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.

Ken Wardle presented the families with
homeowner manuals and Ken Ivey
happily handed over the keys.

We are so grateful to all the sponsors, volunteers and committee members for the true labour of love that was the first project for HFH Virden Chapter. It happened in just under one year, which is a true testament to all of you. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it all!

And finally, we are so proud of the families for their hard work. This is truly a dream come true for all of us. 

Thursday, November 24, 2011

November 24th, 2011

Work is progressing. The finishing takes the longest.

December 15th is the date set for the inauguration of the houses.







Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Update

The drywalling and mudding are done. The painting is underway.

We are waiting for landscaping in order to finish the side exterior stair railings.

The floor installers will start soon, as will the finishing carpenter in the Garcia house.

Electrical and plumbing should happen soon also.

Many thanks to faithful volunteers. Special thanks to the food providers.




Sunday, October 9, 2011


Sunday, October 9th, 2011

The front windows are now in. Mudding and taping is in progress in the left unit. Drywalling continues in the right unit, and then into the lower floors.

Many thanks to faithful volunteers.

JMP

Monday, September 19, 2011

Smile Cookies

Today Tim Hortons had a smile cookie with all proceeds
going to Habitat. Thank you for making all of us smile!

Change of Volunteer Hours

Work or school during the day?

Starting Monday, Sept. 26th, Habitat for Humanity Virden Chapter is in need of evening volunteers from 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m (Monday to Friday).

If you could volunteer for all or part of a weekday evening, please contact Maxine Routledge at 748-8469.