Media Advisory - 'Little House' is building homes in the big city

TORONTO , Feb. 8 /CNW/ - "Little House on the Prairie: The Musical" cast and crew members will help build 16 Habitat for Humanity homes during their only Canadian stop and longest run in the show's 26 city tour. Star of the original television series, Melissa Gilbert shares her excitement with her Musical costars in helping to give Toronto families a hand up, not a hand out. "Habitat for Humanity is truly one of the most important, most wonderful organizations in this country and around the world." says Ms. Gilbert . Habitat Toronto's CEO Neil Hetherington recognizes the natural fit between the show and the organization, "Habitat for Humanity is all about family, just like this beloved classic." Thanks to their partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, the musical will make a financial donation to Habitat affiliates in each of the show's tour markets at the culmination of their tour.

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

    Who:   Melissa Gilbert and other cast and crew of the "Little House on
           the Prairie, the Musical"
           Neil Hetherington, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Toronto
           Habitat for Humanity Toronto new homeowners.

    When:  Thursday, February 11th, 2010
           10:00 a.m.  - Build Day begins.
                       - Photo opportunities available.
           10:15 a.m.  - Interviews with Melissa Gilbert, Neil Hetherington
                         and Habitat homeowners available.

    Where: 71 Hainford Street (near Kingston Road & Lawrence Avenue East)
           Scarborough, ON
    

About Habitat for Humanity Toronto:

Established in 1988, Habitat for Humanity Toronto is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian housing organization. We welcome all people without discrimination to join us as we build simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with low-income families. One hundred percent of all administrative and fundraising costs are paid for by the operation of three ReStores. Habitat ReStores sell quality new and gently used donated building materials.

About Little House on the Prairie, the Musical:

Little House on the Prairie, a new musical based on the beloved Laura Ingalls Wilder series of classic American books is the uplifting story of an American family forging a new life amidst the mighty challenges, heartbreaks, joys and triumphs that face them in the newly-settled heartland. Melissa Gilbert , who rose to fame as a child playing 'Laura' in the hugely successful NBC television series "Little House on the Prairie" during the 1970's, now continues her legacy on the prairie by taking on the role of Ma. This celebration of the pioneering spirit and the core values on which this country was founded will travel throughout the U.S. and Canada on a 26 city tour which culminates in spring 2010. For ticket information, please visit www.littlehousethemusical.com.

About Habitat for Humanity International: Habitat for Humanity

International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

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