Habitat for Humanity Canada is Rebuilding this Holiday Season with Bricks, Nails and Even the Kitchen Sink

The GiftBuilder catalogue raises money in effort to build 1,800 more homes for families across Canada

TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Fifty pounds of framing nails and a pallet of bricks may not be typical holiday gifts, but they top the wish lists of families across Canada dreaming of owning their own homes. Habitat for Humanity helps make those dreams become a reality with access to affordable homeownership. Not only does Habitat improve living conditions through good housing, but they help low-income families secure a significant asset that would otherwise be out of reach.

Habitat's GiftBuilder catalogue offers Canadians a one-stop shop for gifts for friends and family members looking to make a difference. Savvy shoppers can avoid crowded malls, shop online with ease, receive tax receipts for all their catalogue purchases and send friends and family an e-card acknowledging the gift.

If Secret Santa isn't cutting it anymore in the workplace, people can instead pool funds for items such as $500 for a Habitat home's electrical wiring or $1,200 to build a child's bedroom.

"By helping families own their own home, Habitat donors are making a real difference in ending the cycle of poverty," explains Kevin Marshman, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. "The families and scores of volunteers do the building, but we rely on the generosity of our communities to help provide the tools and materials."

The catalogue offers 31 gift items, ranging from $16 to donate a screwdriver set to $5,000 to put up a roof. And there is plenty of opportunity to have fun:

• Get the home renovator a $28 hammer or $36 handsaw;
• Environmentalists will love the $45 energy efficient showerheads since Home Outfitters matches each donation;
• Decorating divas will naturally gravitate toward the two cans of paint for $62;
• For the poker players in your life, a $130 toilet beats a flush; and
• Lego fans will surely appreciate a $140 pallet of bricks.

During this holiday season, support Habitat for Humanity and give gifts that build a lasting legacy.  Donate and shop today at www.habitat.ca.
Note: High resolution images and materials are available to media for downloading at http://bit.ly/I8XS4D

About Habitat for Humanity Canada

Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit organization working towards a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. With the help of over 63,000 volunteers every year and 65 affiliate organizations from coast to coast, their mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to break the cycle of poverty in Canada and around the world.

Image with caption: "Toolbox for Renovation Essentials, $250 (CNW Group/Habitat for Humanity Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131125_C4319_PHOTO_EN_33777.jpg

Image with caption: "Hammer for the Home Renovator, $28 (CNW Group/Habitat for Humanity Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131125_C4319_PHOTO_EN_33778.jpg

Image with caption: "Everything including the Kitchen Sink, $75 (CNW Group/Habitat for Humanity Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131125_C4319_PHOTO_EN_33779.jpg

SOURCE: Habitat for Humanity Canada

Contact:

Derek Mletzko
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Habitat for Humanity Canada
[phone] x326

Antonietta Mirabelli
VP, Marketing and Communications
Habitat for Humanity Canada
416-644-0988 x385