Here we are, nearing the end of another year!
November was another busy month here at Habitat Okanagan! This last couple of months our focus has been on raising our revenues to end 2024 on a high, after a challenging year, especially for our ReStores, who like many retailers have needed to adjust to the difficult economic conditions. I’m pleased to say that because of the community support we receive, other income sources have helped us tremendously.
The volume of Christmas décor that gets donated over the year is amazing, our storage areas are overflowing by the time it goes on the shop floor, it has been flying off the shelves in all our stores! Get here soon if you are still looking for seasonal items!
One of the November highlights was the 2024 Jingle Bell Build, held at the Laural Packing House. This event has grown in popularity each year and we had many returning teams plus some that participated for their first time. The room was filled with laughter as the teams competed for the winner’s trophy and bragging rights. It was a hard fought contest with many great creations and a very difficult decision for the judges. Its one of my favorite events as its such an enjoyable way to to raise funds for affordable home ownership and a joy to see everyone having a great time. A big thank you to everyone that sponsored, attended or volunteered to make it so successful.
The other great thing that happened in November was winning the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Environmental Impact Award! This win is recognition for all the work that is done by our ReStore staff and volunteers who process the tonnes of donated items ready to be re-sold and saved from the landfill. Thank you to everyone involved, plus our donors and shoppers that support the ReStores which in turn provides financial assistance to run our home ownership program.
We are down to the last few days for the next You Win We Build 50/50 draw on the 17th December. Tickets can still be purchased online at rafflebox.ca/raffle/hfh-okanagan until midnight on the 14th and its another large pot to be won just in time for Christmas.
Habitat Canada recently released their 2024 affordable housing survey, there are some startling statistics regarding how Canadians view the possibility of home ownership in today’s market. I had the opportunity to chat with The Daily Courier that ran a story on the results and share how Habitat is helping those not wanting to be renters. You can read the full article here: Helping Okanagan renters become homeowners | News | kelownadailycourier.ca.
Well, another year of helping families and saving the planet is over and we are busy preparing to hit the ground running in 2025. A big thank you for supporting Habitat and the work that we do to provide local families with the opportunity to be homeowners.
I wish you all a very merry holiday season!
Andrea Manifold
CEO Habitat Okanagan
