IMAGINE… you’re driving down the road with your nine year old daughter sitting quietly in the back seat, gazing out the window. Suddenly, she asks, “Mom, what would have happened to us if we hadn’t gotten our Habitat home?”
Mom pauses for a moment before replying, “Well, honey, we would have stayed in our rental home, and we would have continued struggling to afford a lot of things.”
This is a true story that one Habitat homeowner recently shared with me. It perfectly captures why we do what we do.
This is the power of a Habitat home.
As I write this, our hearts are with our neighbours across the Okanagan communities who have been impacted by the devastating wildfires. To everyone who has been evacuated, is living with uncertainty, or has experienced the heartbreaking loss of a home, please know that you are in our thoughts. While every family’s journey will be different, we have seen time and again that our community comes together when it matters most.
Moments like these remind us that a home is so much more than four walls and a roof. It’s where families feel safe, children grow, memories are made, and hope takes root.
When a family moves into a home with an affordable mortgage, they gain more than a roof over their head. They gain stability. They can afford groceries, childcare, transportation, school supplies, and even manage life’s unexpected expenses. Instead of worrying about the next rental increase or wondering if they’ll be forced to move again, they can focus on building a brighter future for their children.
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our community. Every volunteer, donor, sponsor, shopper, and supporter plays a role in creating more affordable homeownership opportunities for local families. Simply put, the thanks belong to you.
While our community has faced significant challenges in recent days, July was also filled with incredible examples of generosity and hope. We celebrated two lucky 50/50 winners, incredible community partnerships, successful fundraising events, and volunteers who continue to give their time to make a difference. In this edition of the newsletter, you’ll see just a few of the many ways our community is helping build brighter futures across the Okanagan.
If you’ve never visited one of our four ReStore locations, I highly encourage you to stop by. Whether you’re shopping for unique finds, donating gently used items, or looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity, there’s something for everyone. With new inventory arriving daily, every visit offers something different. Be sure to follow us online and join The Great ReStore Challenge, and don’t miss our monthly ReStore Days for major savings.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to support our mission, please consider making a donation or purchasing a ticket in our 50/50 draw. Every contribution helps us build stronger communities and create more opportunities for local families.
To learn more about our programs, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or to make a donation securely online, please visit HabitatForHumanityOkanagan.ca
…Together, We Build!
Lenetta Parry
CEO, Habitat for Humanity Okanagan
