The quiet of a small country lot will soon give way to excavators as Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent officially breaks ground on their 2016 build in the community of Charing Cross.
For Athena Lumsden, the future homeowner, and her three children Seth, Heather and Brenden, this day is just the beginning of something they never thought possible.
When asked what the future house meant to her, Athena recalled her grandmother’s home that was cozy and warm, where families gathered for meals.
This memory had only ever been a dream. But thanks to Habitat for Humanity, she will have the opportunity to build these wonderful memories with her own children in her very own home.
A large crowd gathered to show their support including the many volunteers, businesses and organizations that give of their time, talent and financial support to not only build a house but a stronger community.
Among them was Marnie McKean, the manager of Home Depot in Chatham, who spoke of the long time partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
Over the past several years, Team Depot members have participated on builds, supported e-waste events and provided regular donations of product to the ReStore located on Riverview Drive in Chatham.
“We have store associates that volunteer with Habitat,” said McKean. “We live and work in this community and encourage our team members to support programs that give youth the resources they require to build brighter futures. Habitat for Humanity does this for families.”
Chris Cowell, CFO of Entegrus, also echoed McKean’s sentiments of encouraging staff of all levels to get involved in such a great community initiative. During 2015, Entegrus and their employees provided sponsorship for Habitat for Humanity’s two major events, including the Geocache Challenge held in May and the Handyman Challenge in September.
Last year they donated and raised over $8,000 in funding and contributed over 100 volunteer hours while pledging to increase that commitment in 2016.
Speaking on behalf of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Councillor Karen Herman emphasized the need of families living right here in our community.
She commended Habitat for Humanity for holding true to their promise of representing all areas of the municipality reflected by their builds in Chatham, Wallaceburg and now in Charing Cross.
As a community comes together, it truly is amazing to see how it can provide a life changing difference through that combined effort.
For more information on Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent you can call 519-352-4440, visit www.habitatchatham kent.ca or attend an upcoming presentation being held at St. Andrew’s United Church, 85 William Street S, Chatham on Sunday, May 15 at 10:30 a.m.
Last year the Davis family from Wallaceburg were the recipients of a home from Habitat for Humanity: Brand new home for the Davis family
– Submitted photo: Pictured from left to right: Councillor Karen Herman, Heather Lumsden, Seth Lumsden, Athena Lumsden, Brenden Lumsden, Nancy McDowell, Executive Director HFHC-K, Chris Cowell, CFO Entegrus, Marnie McKean, Manager Home Depot, Keith Sherman, Construction Supervisor HFHC-K.
