Habitat for Humanity GTA calls for action on World Habitat Day

TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2015 /CNW/ - In celebration of World Habitat Day on October 5, 2015, Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (Habitat GTA) will demonstrate their work in the GTA by making the dream of homeownership a reality for six low-income families, and showcasing their new video, "Transforming Communities, Transforming Lives." With the release of this video, the charity aims to bring attention to the need for more affordable housing in the GTA. Habitat GTA will also dedicate four homes at 960 Brimley Road, in Scarborough at 10:30 a.m., with one home at 8600 Torbram Road, in Brampton and another home at 3 Walker Road in York Region concurrently at 2:00 p.m.

"On a day where we recognize the basic right to adequate shelter for all, we encourage all to help us bring the attention to the need of affordable housing by joining us in support and sharing our video through their social networks," says Ene Underwood, CEO, Habitat GTA. "These efforts showcase the hard-work and dedication of our volunteers, donors, and community partners and partner families, who help in so many ways to contribute to the building of their communities."

Thanks to the generous work of Toronto based Film Maker, Phil Connell, with this video, the organization aims to create awareness, and garner support through volunteerism and cash donations from communities across the GTA. "The impact of Habitat on our communities and people's lives is transformative, and I am honoured to have had the opportunity to tell that story so that more may know it" explains Phil Connell.

The day will shed light on the need for adequate shelter for families like the Ali family, who will receive the keys to their new Habitat home on Brimley Road. Mohammed lives with his wife Fozia, who is currently pursuing higher education; and four children, who are all under the age of 12. Presently, they live in a two bedroom apartment in an unsafe neighbourhood. "We were just wishing one day we would have a better place and better area to live," says Mohammed Ali.

Toronto Event Schedule

What:	World Habitat Day Ceremony & Presentation of the Mayoral Proclamation
When:	Monday, October 5^,2015 at 10:30 a.m.
Where:	960 Brimley Road, Toronto
Who:	Ene Underwood, CEO, Habitat for Humanity GTA, Visionary Sponsors Ed and Fran Clark, Ali Family,  Abay Family , Ali Perveen Family, Abdul Family  (Habitat GTA Partner Families), Habitat volunteers, donors and community partners.

Brampton Event Schedule

What:	World Habitat Day Dedication Ceremony
When:	Monday, October 5, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.
Where:	600 Torbram Road
Who:	Thomas Fischer, Regional Vice President, Habitat GTA, Gabinete Family (Habitat GTA Partner Family), Habitat volunteers, donors and community partners.

York Region Event Schedule

What:	World Habitat Day Dedication Ceremony
When:	Monday, October 5^,2015 at 2:00 p.m.
Where:	3 Walker Road in East Gwillimbury
Who:	Richard Solomon, Regional Vice President, Habitat GTA , BILD (Building Industry and Land Development Association), Richard Solomon, Regional Vice President, Habitat GTA, Cernanec Family (Habitat GTA Partner Family), Habitat volunteers, supporters and community partners.

Habitat GTA New Video, "Transforming Communities. Transforming Lives"
The timing was perfect when Toronto based Film Maker, Phil Connell approached Habitat GTA for the opportunity to create a brand awareness video with the intention to generate conversation to the issue of affordable homeownership and Habitat's work in the GTA.

To watch and share Habitat GTA's new video, click here.

About World Habitat Day:
Officially designated by the United Nations in 1985, the purpose of World Habitat Day is to bring global attention to the need for better shelter around the world. On this day, supporters of adequate shelter around the globe, participate in special activities urging community partners and leaders to shift priorities and change the systems, policies, and attitudes that lead to poverty housing.

About Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area
Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area is a non-profit housing organization that mobilizes volunteers and community partners to help hardworking, low-income families break the cycle of poverty through affordable homeownership. One hundred percent of all administrative and fundraising costs are paid for by the operation of our ReStore locations. Habitat ReStores sell new and gently-used donated building and household products. Every 5.5 minutes, Habitat for Humanity helps a family improve their housing situation somewhere in the world.

***MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND AND INTERVIEWS WILL BE AVAILABLE***

Please visit habitatgta.ca for more information on Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity GTA

Video with caption: "In celebration of World Habitat Day on October 5, 2015, Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (Habitat GTA) will demonstrate showcasing their new video, "Transforming Communities, Transforming Lives."". Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj6kGdRR8AE

Joanna M. Dwyer, Senior Director, Marketing & Communications, Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area, 155 Bermondsey Road | Toronto, ON M4A 1X9, C: [phone] | T: [phone] x 259