"Our city means the world to us"

Habitat for Humanity Toronto commemorates World Habitat Day to raise awareness of the affordable housing need

TORONTO, Sept. 29 /CNW/ - To pay tribute to World Habitat Day 2010, Habitat for Humanity Toronto will hold several events on October 4th, 2010 focused on raising the awareness of the need of affordable housing in Toronto, Canada and around the world. The charity is urging Torontonians to join them in commemorating World Habitat Day 2010 and advocating for affordable housing in our city.

WHY: The United Nations has designated the first Monday in October every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right to adequate shelter for all. In Toronto over 552,000 families currently live below the C.R.A. regulated poverty line (Low Income Cut Off level), and are in need of affordable housing. "The cost of living in our city is going up annually," says Habitat for Humanity Toronto's CEO Neil Hetherington. "There are more and more families having to choose between necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. This is a decision that no one should have to make."

"Some people worry about their money going to feed the bureaucracy and administration of a charity rather than going to people in need. Habitat for Humanity Toronto however pays for all of their administrative costs through the proceeds received from their Toronto ReStores. This means that 100% of every dollar you give goes directly to home construction," says Habitat for Humanity Toronto Chairs Advisory Council member and Home Donor Ed Clark. "Plus, with Habitat Toronto's rigorous pre-screening and commitment from their homeowners - actually participating in the building of their own home - their mortgage default rate is less than 1%. That's a pretty phenomenal success rate. With this program, your money gets a family a home and the stability and security that come with homeownership."

WHAT, WHEN, WHERE & WHO:
Monday, October 4th: World Habitat Day
Opening of the Market - 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.: TMX Broadcast Centre, The Studio at Street Level, The Exchange Tower, 130 King Street West
In observance of World Habitat Day, W. Edmund Clark, President and CEO of TD Bank Financial Group, will open trading on Toronto Stock Exchange on behalf of Habitat for Humanity Toronto and will be joined by Habitat Toronto homeowners, volunteers, partners and staff.

Habitat for Humanity Toronto Flag Raising - 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Flag Raising, Green Rooftop, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West
Habitat for Humanity Toronto, the City of Toronto delegation and guests will raise the organization's flag to commemorate World Habitat Day at Toronto City Hall. This momentous occasion will highlight Toronto's support for the effort to help every person in our city and around the world obtain access to decent affordable housing.

The following Habitat for Humanity supporters will be in attendance:

• JF Courville, Habitat for Humanity Toronto's Board Chair and President & Chief Executive Officer of MFC Global Investment Management
• Sean Gadon, Director of the City of Toronto's Affordable Housing Office.
• Habitat for Humanity Toronto Homeowner

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

(xxx)Special media requests will be accommodated(xxx)

Putting your name on the line - 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Habitat Toronto homeowners and volunteers will be stationed at the following five street corners: Yonge & Eglinton; Yonge & Bloor; Yonge & Dundas; Yonge & Queen; and University & Queen.
Habitat for Humanity Toronto homeowners, volunteers, donors and partners will advocate the need for more affordable housing throughout the city during the lunch hour and will ask Torontonians to "put their name on the line" to help their efforts.

CN Tower Lights Up Blue & Green - Approximately 7:00 p.m. (dusk): CN Tower, 301 Front Street West
Watch proudly as one of Toronto's most distinguished landmarks in the city lights up blue & green in observance of World Habitat Day.

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

For further information: