Media Advisory - Dads dedicate their day to families living in need

Habitat for Humanity Toronto recognizes Father's Day with a day of building homes and hope

TORONTO, June 15 /CNW/ -

    
    What:  Fathers, sons and daughters throughout the GTA will gather at
           Habitat for Humanity Toronto's William's Way build site on
           Sunday June 20th to help build 20 solar-paneled homes in
           celebration of the charity's annual Father's Day Build. Volunteers
           will swing hammers together with Habitat Toronto homeowners such
           as the Garcia family to help raise funds and awareness for the
           organization. "I will build alongside some amazing fathers who are
           giving up their Father's Day weekend to act as role model for
           their children," says Habitat for Humanity Toronto's CEO Neil
           Hetherington. "The greatest compliment for a father is when his
           child puts his words of wisdom into action... and one way to do
           that is by helping to build your community." By participating in
           The Father's Day Build, fathers and their loved ones will give
           another family like the Garcia's a hand up, not a hand out.

               (xxx)Media are invited to attend and interviews
                           will be available(xxx)

    Who:   Neil Hetherington, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Toronto
           Fathers and their families
           Antonio Garcia, Habitat for Humanity Toronto homeowner:
           The building and neighbourhood Antonio and Helen Garcia live in
           with their three children 13-year-old Charles, 10-year-old
           Clarisse and five-year-old Hans isn't a family-friendly place.
           "Recently, a break-in happened in our building and a youngster
           fell from the eighth floor and died," describes Helen Garcia. "A
           lot of crimes happen here and drug deals are just around the
           corner from the playgrounds," says Helen. The Garcia's were
           desperate for a way out so their children wouldn't grow up in such
           dangerous surroundings. The family was ecstatic to be approved as
           a Habitat Toronto homeowner and have the opportunity to live in a
           clean and safe place. "My children will each have their own room
           where they can study well and have their own privacy," says
           Antonio Garcia. "They will be proud of their new home and it will
           inspire them to be at their best."

    When:  Sunday June 20th, 2010
           10:00 a.m.         - Build Day begins
                              - Photo opportunities available
           Throughout the day - Interviews with Neil Hetherington (in the
                                morning), volunteers and Habitat Toronto
                                homeowners available.

    Where: William's Way build site
           1500 Weston Road (near Weston Road and Jane Street)
           Toronto, ON
    

Please visit www.torontohabitat.ca/AboutUs for more information on Habitat for Humanity Toronto.

For further information: Neil Hetherington, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity Toronto, office: [phone] ext 223, cell: 416-436-4190, [email protected]; Joanna M. Dwyer, Marketing and Communications Associate, Habitat for Humanity Toronto, office: [phone], ext. 228, [email protected], On Sunday call Joanna M. Dwyer at [phone]