Religious differences set aside for families living in need

TORONTO, Oct. 25 /CNW/ - On Wednesday October 27^th pastors, imams and rabbis from throughout Toronto will spend the day putting families first as they help build 29 homes at Habitat for Humanity Toronto's 4572 Kingston Road build site. Celebrating the 8^th year of this event, the Faith Leaders' Build will see representatives from Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths come together for one goal - to help families living in need of affordable housing.

Participants will build walls while building peace as they work alongside faith leaders of various beliefs in a spirit of cooperation and respect. "The Faith Leaders' Build is a great expression of our commitment to diversity and inclusiveness," says Habitat for Humanity Toronto's CEO Neil Hetherington. "We believe that faith is lived through action. On this day all people regardless of their beliefs can pick up a hammer and live their faith in a tangible way."

For Rabbi Ed Elkin of First Narayever Congregation, participating in this year's Faith Leaders' Build "fulfills a covenantal responsibility as God's partner to help make the world a better place." Brian Elcombe from Centennial Rouge United church believes that helping others by contributing to this build day "is what we are called to do as we are all one in Christ." 

To date, The Faith Leaders' Build has raised over $40,000. Rabbi Ed Elkin, Brian Elcombe and other participating leaders of faith will raise another $5000 to go towards building more safe, decent and affordable homes in Toronto.

***Media are invited to attend and interviews will be available***
***Special media requests will be accommodated***

WHAT:	Faith Leaders' Build
WHEN:	Wednesday October 27, 2010, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
WHERE:	4572 Kingston Road Toronto, ON
WHO:	Neil Hetherington, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Toronto Notable Toronto Faith leaders: Imam Hamid Slimi - Faith of Life Network Gretta Vosper - West Hill United Church

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

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