/R E P E A T -- The Toronto Maple Leafs and Habitat GTA Rally Together for the Holidays/

Members of the Toronto Maple Leafs work alongside Habitat GTA families and volunteers building homes for low-income families in our communities.

TORONTO, Dec. 9, 2015 /CNW/ - Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (Habitat GTA) and the Toronto Maple Leafs are teaming up to support low-income families this holiday season. Habitat GTA welcomes Toronto Maple Leaf president Brendan Shanahan and players Jake Gardiner, Frank Corrado, Byron Froese, Morgan Rielly and Brad Boyes who will be building alongside Habitat GTA partner families and volunteers at the McLevin Ave build site in Toronto on December 11^th.

"When people think of the Maple Leafs, they think of them with a hockey stick and skates out on the ice rink – not on a build site with a hammer and work boots", says Ene Underwood, CEO, Habitat GTA.  "We are thrilled by the example they are setting of community leadership and giving back by taking time out in the midst of their NHL season to work with other volunteers to give a hand up to help low income families realize their dream of a home of their own."

"The Toronto Maple Leafs are proud to support Habitat this holiday season," said Toronto Maple Leafs President and Alternate Governor Brendan Shanahan. "It's important to highlight the vital community work that Habitat does in the GTA day in and day out. We're honoured to work alongside and help support these families and our community."

Habitat GTA hopes the McLevin Ave homes will be finished and ready for move in by spring 2016 and will need people from the community to come out and volunteer in the New Year to ensure their completion.

What:		Toronto Maple Leafs volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity GTA build site
When:		Friday, December 11, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where:		280 McLevin Ave, Toronto
Who:		Ene Underwood, CEO, Habitat for Humanity GTA, Toronto Maple leaf players: Jake Gardiner, Byron Froese, Scott Harrington, Frank Corrado, MLSE Staff, Russell Gray, Laura Patterson, Brendan Shanahan, Habitat volunteers, donors and community partners, and Habitat GTA Partner Families: the Williams Family and the Francis Family
Event Schedule:		Toronto Maple Leafs onsite for 2:00 p.m.
		Speeches take place 2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
		Photographs with speakers 2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
		The team builds 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
		Photos and interviews 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

TWEETABLE HIGHLIGHTS:

• @HabitatGTA and @MapleLeafs are making holiday magic for Toronto families today. Learn how you can help: http://www.habitatgta.ca/volunteer.html
• Swing a hammer for hope with @MapleLeafs and @HabitatGTA to build homes for hardworking, low-income families in the GTA #SupportYourCommunity
• Get involved! @HabitatGTA & @MapleLeafs have teamed up to build on a Habitat GTA site today, lend your support: http://www.habitatgta.ca/donate/ways-to-give.html  

***MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND AND INTERVIEWS WILL BE AVAILABLE***

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

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity GTA

or media requests, please contact: Alexis Vivian, Communications & Public Relations Officer, Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area, 155 Bermondsey Road, Toronto, ON M4A 1X9, T: [phone] x 243, E: [email protected]