Students spend spring break swinging hammers instead of sunbathing for Habitat for Humanity

TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - University and college students from across the GTA will exchange their books for bricks for the 2013 Reading Week Build to help build safe and decent homes with Habitat for Humanity. Instead of heading south this week to have fun in the sun, approximately 50 students will head to Brampton and Oshawa to fundraise, collaborate, and put their hands to work in an effort to combat poverty housing.

"This event is a high point of our year and showcases the capacity of youth to substantively benefit both the lives of families in need and the vitality of our greater communities," says Enloe Wilson, Faith & Community Relations Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity Toronto (www.torontohabitat.ca).

Since 2009, the Habitat Campus Coalition, matching corporate sponsor Genworth Financial (www.genworth.ca), and U of T student group Eyes of Hope, have collectively fundraised over $80,000 through the Reading Week Build and other initiatives. With a 2013 fundraising goal of $5,000, the Reading Week Build continues to be a valuable fundraising avenue for Habitat Toronto, while empowering youth with valuable learning experiences.

"Students owe it to themselves to get the Habitat experience that will leave them feeling empowered and confident. Volunteering alongside our classmates and Habitat partner families gives students the opportunity to be leaders in social change in our own community," says Chair of the Habitat Campus Coalition Sabnam Islam.

What: 2013 Reading Week Build
Where: 372 Centre Street South, Oshawa ON and 20 Hoskins Square, Brampton ON
When: Tuesday, February 19, 2013, to Saturday, March 2^nd, 2013

Please visit www.torontohabitat.ca, www.habitatbrampton.com, www.habitatdurham.com for
more information on your local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.

SOURCE: Habitat for Humanity Toronto

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