I would also like to welcome our new Construction Supervisor, Russell Hanson, who brings over 25 years experience to the project. The site construction has made great progress during the summer, with lock up having been achieved during the past week. One major area where we currently need volunteers is on our fundraising committee, which has been without a chair for several months. The committee has recently been split into two groups, one focusing on the large corporate sponsors and the other working on smaller fundraising campaigns. To ensure the long-term stability of the organisation we need to find some committed volunteers to work together to raise the awareness of Habitat as well as bring in money to keep us building. If you are interested in helping out with this fundamental committee, please contact the office. We are honoured that Habitat Greater Vancouver has been the organisation chosen as the recipient of the next Ismaili Walk, to be held in September, 2002. We are looking forward to working with the Ismaili Community as well as raising money and awareness of Habitat in the community. I am also excited to announce our new community partnership with BCIT. Through this partnership we anticipate building strong links with the students at large. We hope they can contribute new specialized skills about the construction of the homes and the building of the affiliate. I would like to close out by thanking all of the dedicated volunteers that have taken the idea of forming a Habitat Affiliate in Vancouver through to where it is today, with the first four homes in Burnaby nearing completion. I feel that a great deal has been achieved so far, but there is still more to be done over the coming years. Our simple beginnings will help us to continue building a strong organisation that will see many people in our community in the Lower Mainland live the Habitat dream of home ownership.
Executive Director, Raymond Koehler, and to view the progress of the four houses in Phase 1. Thanks to all the volunteers and participants who made this event possible!
Snap a picture and help a family move into livable housing in Vancouver The deadline for first annual Expressions of Humanity photography contest was on September 30th, 2001. Joe Kelly, the coordinator of the contest, called for photographers of all levels of skill to take photos that capture the artists’ interpretation of humanity. The submissions were judged on their creativity and ability to express acts of humanity. All of the proceeds of this event will go to Habitat for Humanity. In addition to winning great prizes, top photographs were showcased at a gala exhibition on Thursday, October 18th at Vertical Restaurant (3116 West Broadway). The fund-raising gala included award presentations, entertainment and the oppurtunity for those attending to learn more about Habitat For Humanity. The event was a great success and we thank everyone who participated and those who helped make the contest happen.
First Prize This inscription inspires me to imagine a strong, wise matriarch who, in her 100 years, must have given so much to her family and enriched so many people’s lives. Giving to others is the most basic act of humanity. And what a gift we are given by Nana’s family, who cared enough to share their love and grief and gratitude in a way that allows us all an opportunity to rest and reflect and be touched by this woman’s life. I am reminded how to be human.
Thanks to everyone, and keep up the good work. Simon Gould Chair of the Board
Volunteer Barbecue A barbecue was held on Sunday, July 15th at the Habitat site in Burnaby in order to thank Habitat volunteers. Despite the rain, the event was well attended by volunteers, the Habitat families and our friendly neighbours from New Life Community Church. Many came out to meet our new
Title: She Always had Time for Others
Photographer: Carolyn Affleck
For complete details visit: www.geocities.com/expressions_of_humanity.com