Team Depot volunteers make lasting change for homeless youth across Canada

TORONTO, Sept. 1, 2015 /CNW/ - The Home Depot Canada Foundation's month-long Celebration of Service campaign kicks-off today, with our associate-led volunteer force "Team Depot" taking on renovation projects that help local youth-serving organizations provide safe and stable housing, and supportive services for homeless youth.

"Giving back is a core value at The Home Depot Canada and a passion of our associates," said Bill Lennie, chair, board of directors, The Home Depot Canada Foundation and president, The Home Depot Canada. "We are committed to helping end youth homelessness in Canada and the contributions of our Team Depot volunteers make a substantial and lasting change for homeless youth in Canada."

As part of the Foundation's three-year, $10-million pledge to help end youth homelessness in Canada, Team Depot volunteers partner with local youth-serving organizations throughout the month of September, taking on more than 100 renovation projects across the country. Projects such as installing a new kitchen, painting and refreshing common living areas and planting gardens and green spaces help these facilities feel more like home, and supports local youth-serving organizations as they provide much-needed life skills development and job training for homeless youth.

"Education, life skills and employment go hand-in-hand in readying a youth to transition into healthy, secure adulthood," said Cécile Arbaud, executive director, Dans La Rue. "With Team Depot renovating our facilities, youth can learn and grow in a fresh and inspiring environment, which will ultimately contribute to their future successes."

Throughout 2015, Team Depot volunteers:

• Dedicated 1,245 volunteers to completing 124 hands-on service projects.
• Contributed to 114 community organizations across Canada.
• Devoted more than 60,000 hours of their time.

About The Home Depot Canada Foundation:

The Home Depot Canada Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that help put an end to youth homelessness in Canada. On any given night, more than 6,000 young people are without a place to call home, making youth homelessness one of the most urgent social issues facing Canadians today. Through The Orange Door Project initiative, in 2013 the Foundation made a three-year, $10-million pledge to support long-term solutions that will put an end to youth homelessness in Canada. In collaboration with community partners, thought leaders, The Home Depot Canada's suppliers, customers and associates we are focused on improving places through renovation and repair projects and supporting programs that give youth the resources they require to build brighter futures.

For more information, please visit: www.homedepot.ca/foundation

SOURCE The Home Depot Canada

Image with caption: "Team Depot volunteers make lasting change for homeless youth across Canada (CNW Group/The Home Depot Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150901_C4942_PHOTO_EN_488157.jpg

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