Habitat for Humanity to receive more than $12M for affordable housing and
community development

~ The Home Depot Canada Foundation together with Holcim Canada demonstrate leadership and commitment to building sustainable communities ~ 

TORONTO, Oct 4 /CNW/ - Today, in celebration of UN World Habitat Day, Habitat for Humanity Canada is pleased to announce that The Home Depot Canada and The Home Depot Canada Foundation are making a long-term, three-year commitment of $12-million in cash and in-kind donations to support sustainable community development. This will primarily be achieved through Habitat's Sustainable Community Development Program, a fund that will launch in 2011. Holcim Canada has joined The Home Depot Canada Foundation, making a three-year pledge of significant monetary and in-kind material donations.

"Habitat aims to not only develop safe and affordable housing for Canadian families in need, but also build a home and community that is sustainable over the long term," said Stewart Hardacre, President and newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity Canada. "Our two current title sponsors, Holcim Canada and The Home Depot Canada Foundation, share our vision and have shown great leadership through their very generous multi-year commitment."

Research has shown that funding affordable housing results in long-term financial, environmental and social 'paybacks' to Canadians: 

• Increasing the quality of life of families previously at risk
• Leading to better health and education opportunities for children
• Reducing reliance on health care and social services
• Reducing the impact on the environment, and protecting future generations
• Engaging the community to create local leaders and build community trust
• Creating a new sense of hope for fellow Canadians.

"Contributing to Habitat's Sustainable Community Development Program is an investment in our society," said Gino DiGioacchino, Chair, The Home Depot Canada Foundation and Vice-President of Merchandising, The Home Depot Canada. "As Canadian businesses, we have a responsibility to ensure that Canadians have a safe and decent place to live. By partnering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity Canada, companies will experience far more benefit than a simple tax receipt."

"At Holcim Canada, we are committed to working alongside local communities on initiatives related to sustainable community development, improvements in local infrastructure, environmental enhancement and promoting education and training opportunities," said Paul Ostrander, President and CEO, Holcim Canada Inc. "Habitat's Sustainable Community Development program is a perfect fit with our vision of helping to build sustainable communities."

Through its network of offices across the country, and around the world, Habitat has the potential to serve 64 per cent of the Canadian population, and families and communities in up to 90 countries. Habitat continues to seek corporate sponsors to support the Sustainable Community Development Program, and achieve its mission to not only build affordable housing but to create sustainable communities that benefit society.   

About Habitat for Humanity Canada:
Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. With the help of over 50,000 volunteers and 73 organizations from coast to coast, their mission is to break the cycle of poverty through affordable housing and the promotion of homeownership. For more information, please visit www.habitat.ca.

About Holcim Canada:
Employing approximately 3,500 Canadians and generating annual revenues of over $1.3 billion, Holcim (Canada) Inc. is a leading producer and supplier of products and services for the construction industry, serving customers across Canada.

With majority and minority interests in more than 70 countries on all continents, Holcim Group is one of the world's leading suppliers of cement and aggregates as well as further construction activities such as ready-mix concrete and construction services. For more information, visit www.holcim.ca

About The Home Depot Canada Foundation:
Established in 2008, The Home Depot Canada Foundation believes that good neighbours make great neighbourhoods. The Foundation brings together volunteerism, do-it-yourself expertise, fundraising, product donations and monetary grants to develop affordable, sustainable housing and create vibrant, environmentally responsible communities for Canadians. Team Depot directly supports The Home Depot Canada Foundation's mission to its share skills, knowledge and resources to develop sustainable homes and communities for Canadians. Team Depot associates use their know-how to complete meaningful community projects, resulting in a contribution of more than 60,000 hours of volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.homedepot.ca/foundation.  

For further information:

Sarah Shelest, Optimum Public Relations, [email protected], 416-934-8082