/R E P E A T -- Habitat for Humanity GTA's Pride Build returns for second year/

LGBTTIQQ2SA volunteers and supporters to convene for two-day fundraising, affordable homebuilding event

TORONTO, June 17, 2015 /CNW/ - On June, 19 and 20 Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (Habitat GTA) and presenting sponsor TD Bank Group will invite friends and supporters of the LGBTTIQQ2SA communities to take part in the charity's second annual Pride Build. More than 80 volunteers will swing a hammer at the charity's 15-home build site at 960 Brimley Road in Scarborough. Leading up to the festive build days, participants are challenged to raise a minimum of $250 each toward an event goal of $40,000. One hundred percent of the event proceeds will benefit the townhome construction at 960 Brimley Road.

"We are excited to welcome the LGBTTIQQ2SA community to build with us again as we bring awareness to the cause of affordable homeownership in the GTA," says Ene Underwood, CEO, Habitat GTA. "We know it is the support of all communities that helps bring us closer to our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live."

Pride Builds, or "Rainbow Builds," have gained traction over the past few years as celebrated annual events hosted by several U.S. Habitat affiliates. Having introduced the event in Canada during the country's first ever WorldPride celebration in 2014, Habitat GTA has seen significant buzz building around this year's follow-up Pride Build.

Event Schedule

What:	Habitat for Humanity GTA Pride Build
When:	Day 1: Friday, June 19, 2015, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
	Day 2: Saturday, June 20, 2015, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where:	960 Brimley Road, Toronto ON
Who:	Day 1:
	Devotional Speaker: El-Farouk Khaki, 2009 Toronto Pride Parade Grand Marshall and founder,        Toronto Unity Mosque
	Ene Underwood, CEO, Habitat GTA (morning welcome)
	Kristyn Wong-Tam, Councillor Toronto Centre-Rosedale
	Day 2:
	Devotional Speaker: Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg, Temple Sinai Congregation
	Ene Underwood, CEO, Habitat GTA (morning welcome)
	Enza Anderson, Journalist and Transgender Rights Activist

How Habitat GTA's work directly impacts LGBT communities
Habitat GTA has seen that LGBT communities disproportionately contend with inadequate housing at critical points in their lives – namely in their youth and elder years. Habitat GTA has partnered with such service providers as the 519 Church Street Community Centre to help educate youth on the need for affordable housing across the GTA. Also, through their year-round Adopt-a-Day program, Habitat GTA has enjoyed the partnership of countless community organizations, faith groups, elected officials, and other individuals who work closely with LGBT groups to assist in the hands-on building of Habitat homes.

About Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area
Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (Habitat GTA) is a non-profit housing organization that mobilizes volunteers and community partners in providing affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty. On April 1, 2014, the Habitat for Humanity affiliates of Brampton Caledon, Toronto, and York Region legally amalgamated into one new affiliate serving all three regions forming Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area.

One hundred percent of all Habitat GTA's administrative and fundraising costs are paid for by the operation of 10 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 & INTERVIEWS WILL BE AVAILABLE 8:00am – 1:00pm***

Please visit pridebuild.ca for more information on Habitat GTA's Pride Build 2015.

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

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity GTA

For more information or media requests, please contact: Joanna M. Dwyer, Director, Marketing & Communications, Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area, C: 416-277-3064 | T: 416-755-7353 ext. 259 | E: [email protected]