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Qualico Ride for 75 – Regina Pit Stop

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Qualico Ride for 75 was created to celebrate Qualico’s 75th anniversary while raising funds and awareness for Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan and Habitat for Humanity Manitoba.

The five-day ride began in Chestermere, Alberta, and wrapped up in Winnipeg on September 9, taking cyclists across three provinces and through many of the communities Qualico has helped build over its 75-year history.

A rainy ride into Regina

By the time the team reached Saskatchewan, they had already put some serious kilometres behind them.

Day 1 took riders 290 kilometres from Chestermere to Medicine Hat, followed by another 225 kilometres from Medicine Hat to Swift Current on Day 2.

Then came the road to Regina. The 265-kilometre stretch on Day 3 brought some of the toughest conditions of the entire ride, with a huge rainstorm, standing water and challenging conditions along the highway.

Even with the weather, there was still time for a little Saskatchewan sightseeing. The team stopped for photos with Gainer the Gopher in Parkbeg and Mac the Moose in Moose Jaw before continuing east.

Just as the rain cleared, the cyclists made it to Regina for their last stop of the day. Our CEO, Kelsey Stewart, Brand & Marketing Manager, Tessa Kozun, and staff from Pacesetter Homes welcomed them at a Pacesetter Home Show in the east end.

After a long day on the road, the stop gave everyone a chance to reconnect with the reason behind the ride: helping more families access affordable homeownership.

Regina to the finish line

The riders were back on their bikes Tuesday morning, and after battling the rain the day before, Saskatchewan offered them something much more welcome: a strong Prairie tailwind.

The team travelled approximately 345 kilometres from Regina through Grenfell and across the Manitoba border to Brandon. On Wednesday, September 9, the team completed the final leg of the journey and arrived at Qualico’s headquarters in Winnipeg, bringing the five-day, 1,500-kilometre Ride for 75 to an end.

To the cyclists who took on 1,500 kilometres, the support crew who kept them moving, everyone who donated, and the entire Qualico team: thank you for bringing Habitat along for the ride.

We were proud to welcome you to Regina and even prouder to be part of this incredible journey.

 

Habitat ReStore Regina Has a New Clothing Section

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Habitat ReStore in Regina has undergone a major upgrade over the past few weeks. It’s not the same store you visited the last time you walked through our doors – specifically, our clothing section!

Unlike traditional thrift stores, every clothing item available for purchase is brand new and generously donated by our valued corporate partners.

Even better, our prices make it easy to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank:

  • All shirts, tops, and dresses: $5 each
  • Jackets: $25 each
  • Accessories: $2.50 each

A Few Tips to Thrift Like a Pro

  1. Shop later in the week and in the afternoon
    Habitat ReStore typically receives new clothing donations during the middle to end of the week. Staff and volunteers often spend the morning sorting and hanging clothing, so visiting in the afternoon gives you first access to newly stocked items.
  2. Look ahead to the next season
    If you’re not finding much for summer, start browsing fall and winter clothing. It’s often easier to find great pieces for the upcoming season because fewer shoppers are looking through those racks.
  3. Learn some basic sewing skills
    It can be discouraging when others seem to find armfuls of great clothing while you can’t find anything in your size. That’s okay! If you know how to sew, you can purchase larger items and alter them to fit. Summer fabrics such as cotton and linen are especially easy to work with. Pro tip: Search TikTok for quick tutorials on altering jeans, shirts, and other clothing to fit your size.
  4. Be creative
    Almost every item has potential if you look closely. Scarves can become tops, skirts, or even stylish belts. If you love a pattern or fabric, think about what it could become. This is another reason basic sewing skills can be so helpful.
  5. Pinterest is your best friend for inspiration
    Sometimes it’s hard to see the potential in an item. Creating a Pinterest account and saving outfit inspiration can help you develop your personal style. Then, when you visit the thrift store, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for.

Shopping at the Restore Supports Sustainability and Community

When you shop at Habitat ReStore, you’re making an environmentally responsible choice. Purchasing second-hand and donated items helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize your environmental footprint.

Even better, every purchase supports Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan’s mission to help families access safe, decent, and affordable housing. While you’re saving money on great finds, you’re also helping build stronger communities across Saskatchewan.

Visit us today!

Habitat ReStore Regina Hours

  • Tuesday–Saturday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Look at the amazing pieces Cathy found at the ReStore!

 

Why Are ReStore Prices Going Up?

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Here’s the Bigger Picture.

We’ve been seeing more comments lately about ReStore prices, and we think it’s worth talking about. We completely understand where the questions are coming from. Thrifting has never been more popular, and everyone loves finding an incredible deal. We do too.

But one thing that isn’t always clear is that not every thrift store operates the same way. Some resale stores are for-profit businesses. Others, like Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan ReStores, are non-profit social enterprises. While we may look similar on the surface, our purpose is very different.

Every Purchase Builds More Than a Home

When you shop at a Habitat ReStore, you’re doing more than furnishing your home or tackling your next DIY project. Every dollar generated through our ReStores directly supports Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan’s affordable homeownership program. Our retail operations aren’t separate from our charity, they’re an essential part of how we make our mission possible.

That means every purchase helps create opportunities for local families to achieve affordable homeownership.

Why Don’t We Just Sell Everything as Cheap as Possible?

One of the most common questions we hear is, “If everything is donated, why isn’t everything really cheap?” It’s a fair question, but there’s an important piece of the story that often gets missed.

Every item in our store was donated intentionally. Someone in our community chose to give us something of value because they wanted to support Habitat’s mission. Our responsibility is to honour that generosity by pricing donated items fairly based on their condition, quality, and market value. If we sold a valuable item for just a few dollars when it could have generated significantly more for affordable homeownership, we wouldn’t be maximizing the impact of that donation. We would actually be falling short of the responsibility donors entrusted us with.

Our goal is to balance affordability for shoppers while ensuring every donated item creates the greatest possible impact for the families we serve.

Running a ReStore Isn’t Free

Although the products are donated, operating a ReStore comes with real costs – and just like everything else, we are seeing the impact of inflation in our costs as well. Before an item ever reaches the sales floor, it has often been received, sorted, inspected, cleaned, tested (where appropriate), priced, and merchandised by our team. Like any retail operation, we also have expenses such as:

  • Building leases and utilities
  • Equipment and vehicle maintenance
  • Point-of-sale systems and supplies
  • Insurance, staff benefits, and operating costs
  • Paying our staff a fair, living wage – something we’re incredibly proud to do

These costs allow us to provide a welcoming shopping experience while ensuring the ReStore continues generating funds to support Habitat’s mission.

We Still Believe in Great Deals

None of this means we’ve forgotten why people love shopping at the ReStore. We want every customer to leave feeling like they discovered something special. Whether it’s a quality piece of furniture, building materials for your next renovation, or a unique vintage find, there are still incredible bargains throughout our stores every day.

A great deal doesn’t always mean paying the absolute lowest price. It means getting excellent value while knowing your purchase is making a meaningful difference in your community.

Thank You for Supporting Habitat

We know you have choices about where you shop, and we’re grateful every time you choose the ReStore. Every donation we receive, every item we sell, and every customer who walks through our doors helps another Saskatchewan family move closer to safe, stable, and affordable homeownership. That’s what makes the ReStore different.

11th Habitat Home in Yorkton Begins Construction

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Celebrating the start of construction for a new Habitat Family is always a special day

If you drove past the lot tomorrow, you’d probably see the beginning of a construction project. And over the coming months, there will be framing, roofing, siding, drywall, and everything else that goes into building a house. But what we are building is so much more than that. At Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, we’re building opportunity.

On June 11, our Yorkton Chapter officially broke ground on its 11th affordable home, celebrating not only the start of construction but the beginning of a new chapter for Jasmin and her two children. Surrounded by volunteers, donors, community partners, and supporters, the Sod Turning Ceremony marked the first visible step toward something much bigger than a house.

A Home Means Stability

For Jasmin, homeownership isn’t about owning property, it’s about creating stability. As a single mother raising two children, she knows firsthand how much a home can influence a family’s daily life. Today, they live in a small basement suite with limited space and very little natural light. While she is grateful to have a place to live, she knows it doesn’t fully meet her family’s needs.

“A stable and accessible home would greatly improve our routines, reduce stress, and support my child’s development while giving both of my children a safe place to grow and thrive.”

For her family, a Habitat home means more than additional bedrooms. It means consistency, peace of mind, knowing her children can grow up in a place where they feel safe.

Building Opportunity

During the Sod Turning Ceremony, Habitat Saskatchewan CEO Kelsey Stewart reminded everyone why days like this matter.

“If Habitat for Humanity was simply in the business of building houses, we’d stop caring the day the keys were handed over. But that’s never been the point.”

What we’re really building is the opportunity for a child to have the same address on every report card. A place where first-day-of-school photos and graduation photos might be taken in the very same spot. A foundation that allows everything else in life to become a little more possible.

This home didn’t begin with a shovel in the ground. It began years ago through a community that believes every family deserves the opportunity to succeed. This is the Yorkton Chapter’s 11th Habitat home; a milestone made possible by volunteers who have spent evenings and weekends on build sites, donors who invested in local families, businesses that contributed materials and expertise, and neighbours who choose to help neighbours.

The First Step Toward Home

Construction of Jasmin’s 960-square-foot, four-bedroom home is expected to be completed in December 2026. When the final nail is driven and the keys are handed over, Jasmin and her family will have the stability they’ve always wanted in a house that is now theirs.

Unity Sweepstakes is Back!

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From Dream to Reality: A Homeownership Journey

How Affordable Homeownership Changed Salim and Sanjida’s Future

 

“When we set everything up and I saw my kids and my wife playing inside, it felt like, ‘Oh my God, MY DREAM CAME TRUE.’” – Salim

 

Construction on Salim and Sanjida’s Habitat home began in November 2023, and they have now been living in their new home with their two children for over a year. Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with the family and reflect on how their lives have changed since becoming homeowners.  

For Salim and Sanjida, homeownership was once a dream that felt out of reach. Since moving into their Habitat home, Salim has returned to school to purse his goal of becoming a police officer. The stability and security of having an affordable home gave him the confidence and opportunity to invest in his future. Their children now have a safe and healthy space to grow, play, and simply be kids. The house has provided more than just an addition room, but it created an environment where the entire family can thrive.  

A Challenging Journey

After moving to Canada, Salim and Sanjida faced many challenges while trying to find stable and affordable housing for their growing family. To make ends meet, Salim worked multiple jobs, but rising rental cost made it increasingly difficult to get ahead. For four years, their family of four lived in a small two-bedroom condo with limited space. Despite working hard, homeownership seemed unattainable.  

Why Affordable Homeownership Matters

“Habitat Saskatchewan didn’t just offer us a house; they offered us a home – a place where we could build our future, where we could lay down roots and thrive. Through the support of volunteers and donors, we have been given not just four walls and a roof, but a sense of dignity, stability, and belonging,” – Salim

Salim’s story is a powerful example of the impact affordable homeownership can have on a family. Moving from a cramped two-bedroom condo into a three-bedroom home has provided the space and stability they need to build a better future.  

Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan’s Affordable Homeownership Program helps families purchase a home at a fair market value with no downpayment and an interest-free mortgage. Families contribute 25% of their gross household income toward their mortgage, making homeownership both manageable and sustainable long term. 

Together, We Build Joy

Habitat success is made possible through the hard work and dedication of families, staff, volunteers and the Saskatchewan community who continue to support our mission. Together, we create lasting change that helps build stronger futures for local families.  

Whether you are looking for a place to call home, want to volunteer, or donate, there are many ways to help families like Salim and Sanjida achieve their dream of homeownership.  

Get involved:

  1. Apply for homeownership or learn more about the program
  2. Explore volunteer opportunities in your community
  3. Donate Today

Project Playhouse Raises $16,000

A Weekend of Creativity, Community, and Impact

This past weekend our team, in partnership with the Regina & Region Home Builders Association, brought Project Playhouse to life at the Regina Spring Home Show.

From March 27–29 at the Bunge International Trade Centre, seven local businesses took on the challenge of transforming simple, prefabricated playhouses into something truly unique.

Each team was given a half-finished playhouse and full creative freedom to design and build it however they imagined. And they delivered. We were blown away by the creativity, time, and effort every single business put into their playhouse. The display quickly became a standout feature of the Home Show, drawing in families, kids, and visitors all weekend long.

Participating teams included:

2026 Awards:

  • People’s Choice (Most Votes): Collaborative Construction x Fries Tallman
  • Most Sustainable (Most materials used from the Restore): Collaborative Construction x Fries Tallman
  • Most Creative: 1080 Architecture
  • Judge’s Choice: To be Announced

Read more about how the event worked and see all the final playhouses on our event page here: https://habitatsaskatchewan.ca/project-playhouse/

A Community That Showed Up

What made Project Playhouse truly special was connecting with the community throughout the weekend. Attendees explored the playhouses, cast votes for their favourites, and took part in a fun, interactive way to give back.  Playhouses were awarded through a sealed bid process, giving community members the opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind piece. And we are thrilled to share that every single one SOLD!

Every vote, every bid, and every conversation helped support our organization and affordable homeownership across the province.

Thank You

To our participating teams, partners, volunteers, and everyone who stopped by to vote or support—thank you.

Your creativity, time, and generosity made this weekend a success.

And more importantly, you helped move us one step closer to building safe, stable homes for families across our province.

Looking Ahead to 2027

We had a blast, and we know the entire community did too. So we are looking forward to doing this all again next year. If you are a business looking to build a playhouse masterpiece next year, contact us to be put on an interest list! Email Tessa at: tkozun@habitatsask.ca

The Meaning of Home Writing Contest is Back

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What Does “Home” Mean to Your Students?

Every year, thousands of students across Canada share one simple yet powerful idea: what home means to them. Now, the Meaning of Home writing contest is back and it’s one of the easiest, most impactful classroom activities you can bring into your school year. Not only does it spark creativity and reflection, but every single entry submitted by a Saskatchewan school, donates $10 back to building homes across Saskatchewan!

All the details about the contest

Students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 across the country are invited to write a short poem or essay about what home means to them. Teachers submit the responses on behalf of the students by registering on meaningofhome.ca

To celebrate and support the educators who make this contest possible, Habitat Canada has added a new incentive this year: Teachers who submit student entries will be entered into a draw for one of ten $200 gift cards to help with classroom or teaching supplies.

The Meaning of Home contest also comes with exciting opportunities for student writers:

  • Grand Prize: A $30,000 grant directed to a local Habitat build, plus an iPad and a pizza party for the winning class.
  • Runner-Up Prizes: Each runner-up wins a $10,000 grant for their local Habitat, along with an iPad and a class pizza party.
  • And remember—every entry donates $10 to your local Habitat affiliate no matter what.

We know you’re busy, so let us do the heavy lifting

Once you sign up for the contest, you’ll receive full access to a complete curriculum designed to walk your students through the writing process from start to finish. Lesson plans, activity sheets, writing prompts—we’ve got it all ready for you because we know how busy teachers already are. You bring the class; we’ll bring the structure.

Why Teachers Love This Contest

  • It fits naturally into the Language Arts curriculum.
  • It comes with ready-to-use teaching materials and a full learning module.
  • It gives students a chance to reflect, express themselves, and contribute to community change.
  • It’s meaningful, memorable, and requires minimal prep.

Ready to Join the 2026 Contest?

Teacher sign-ups are open now, with the contest running January 5 – February 20, 2026.

Visit the Meaning of Home website to learn more, access the educator toolkit, and sign up your classroom: https://www.meaningofhome.ca

Win BIG every month

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Win Big & Support Your Community with Unity Sweepstakes

If you’re looking for a way to support non-profits, raise funds for local charities, and also have a chance to win big, Unity Sweepstakes is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. We are thrilled to be a part of this province-wide initiative with 7 other charities right here in Saskatchewan.

What Is the Unity Sweepstakes?

The Unity Sweepstakes is a fundraising raffle program aimed at supporting local charities across Saskatchewan. When you buy a ticket:

  • You help organizations like Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan carry out essential programs.
  • You’re automatically entered for monthly jackpot draws and other prize opportunities.

It’s non-profit fundraising made simple: you get a shot at winning cash, and the community wins too.

How the Sweepstakes Works

Anyone in Canada can purchase tickets. Whether you live in Saskatchewan or another province, your contribution helps local charities, and you’ll still be eligible to win.

Here’s what you need to know:

Feature Details
Monthly Jackpot One winner is drawn every month to receive a guaranteed jackpot. Example: For the month of October, the guaranteed jackpot is $25,000.
The Final Flip At the end of the month, the jackpot winner has the chance to double their prize. They flip a card and have a 50/50 chance to double their jackpot. But don’t worry, if they don’t successfully double, they still walk away with the guaranteed jackpot.
Early-Bird Prizes Buy tickets early to qualify for additional early bird prize draws before each monthly deadline.

Ticket Prices

The prices are set up so you can choose the option that works best for you. Buying more tickets increases both your chances of winning and your impact. Here are the options:

  • 600 tickets for $100 — Best value
  • 150 tickets for $50
  • 30 tickets for $25
  • 3 tickets for $15

Ready to buy tickets? Seems like a no brainer to us!

Buy your tickets here

New Homeowner Resource Library

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Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Home in Saskatchewan

At Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, we know that buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the Homeowner Resource Library, your go-to guide for confident, informed, and stress-free homeownership. Whether you’ve just moved in, or you’ve been in your home for years, this library has something for everyone.

Why We Built This

We hear from homeowners all the time: “What should I do next?” or “How do I know if this repair is my responsibility or the builder’s?” We designed the Homeowner Resource Library to empower you with clarity and tools so you can make informed decisions, avoid avoidable issues, and feel confident in maintaining your home.

What’s Inside

We created this resource library to help you protect your investment, plan for the unexpected, and enjoy peace of mind in your home. Here are some of the key features:

  • Home Maintenance: Get ahead of those costly repairs with practical tools like seasonal and monthly checklists, expert tips, and videos. These resources make safety, efficiency, and upkeep manageable — one task at a time.
  • Home Insurance: Understand what your policy should include, how to shop for coverage, and what practices can help lower your premiums. Compare options confidently.
  • Saskatchewan New Home Warranty: For newly built homes, you’ll find a guide to what’s covered under the warranty, how to claim it, and how to keep your warranty valid (yes, maintenance matters). We explain the 1-2-10 coverage model and what responsibilities you have.
  • Financial Foundations: Tips and tools to help you set up a budget, track expenses, manage debt, and save for emergency repairs. Because managing money well is part of owning a home.
  • Family & Estate Planning: Planning for the future is about more than just the house itself — it’s making sure your home, belongings, and wishes are protected no matter what. We’ve included guides, templates, and legal resources specific to Saskatchewan.
  • Condominium Understanding: Condos come with different responsibilities. Learn how shared maintenance works, what you’re accountable for, and how condo boards and management operate.
  • Home Safety & Security: From emergency preparedness to fire, carbon monoxide, and theft protections — tools and checklists to help keep your household safe year-round.
  • Habitat Saskatchewan Buy-Back Program: If you’re a Habitat homeowner considering selling, this program details how the buy-back process works, how equity is calculated, and what your options are within the first 18 years of ownership.

Click here to visit the Resource Library.

Home in One Charity Golf Tournament Expands Across Saskatchewan

Dust off your clubs, we’re golfing FORE a great cause!

Get ready to tee up for impact as the Home in One Charity Golf Tournament is back for 2025, and this year, we are expanding our reach and impact. After the immense amount of positive feedback, we are thrilled to announce we are expanding the tournament beyond Regina, and now also hosting it in Prince Albert.

This expansion marks a major milestone in our efforts to bring communities together and build affordable housing across Saskatchewan.

Expanding our Mission

Whether you are a seasoned golfer or have a driving passion to give back, Home in One offers a fun and impactful way to support our mission at Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan.

Regina: The tournament will take place on August 21st, 2025, at Aspen Links Golf Course

Prince Albert: August 28th, 2025 at Kachur’s Golf Course.

Our goal by bringing this tournament up north to Prince Albert, is to create meaningful impact and foster more connections in our journey to safe, affordable homeownership. All funds raised will directly support affordable homeownership program for families across the province.

What’s New for 2025?

This year we are not just expanding to Prince Albert; we are also leveling up the fun! We are thrilled to announce a brand new 50/50 ticket raffle. The tickets will be sold at both tournaments as well as online, and we will draw the lucky winner from a combined prize pool. On top of this we are bringing back favorites from last year, such as our silent auction raffle and other fun, on-course activations!

Get Involved

If you’re looking for a fun and meaningful way to give back, we’ve got some great opportunities for you. Right now, you can register a team and take advantage of our exclusive early bird pricing, saving you over $200 on registration! It’s the perfect chance to gather your friends, family, or coworkers and hit the golf course for a great cause. Want to take your impact even further? Become a sponsor! Not only will you help support our mission, but you’ll also boost your brand’s visibility and enjoy a fantastic day of golfing and networking. It’s a win-win!

Register today

Click here for Regina registration

Click here for Prince Albert registration

Home by Midnight Gala Raises $82,000

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