Posts

See Our Story Unfold: Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan’s MaxTV Showcase featured by SaskTel

, ,

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news: SaskTel recently showcased Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan on their MaxTV channel! This incredible feature provides a unique window into the heart of our organization, showcasing our mission and the work we do within our community.

Meet the Faces of Habitat: Gail, Brett, and Dessie

In this special feature, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from some of the key individuals who drive our mission forward:

Gail: Board Chair

Gail, our dedicated Board Chair, offers valuable insights into the core values that drive Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan. Her unwavering commitment to our cause is truly inspiring!

Brett: Regina ReStore Manager

Brett, the passionate manager of our Regina ReStore, plays a vital role in our operations. He shares his experiences, shedding light on the impact our ReStore has in supporting our mission.

Dessie: Homeowner 

Dessie, one of our amazing homeowners, shares his heartwarming journey with us. His story exemplifies the transformative power of a safe and stable home.

Discover More

Watch the full video below:

 

Get Involved

As always, your support is instrumental in our mission to provide safe and stable homes for families in need. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our upcoming projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out. To support our cause, donate here or learn more about our volunteering opportunities here! 

A Brighter Future, One Home at a Time

We extend our deepest gratitude to SaskTel for providing us with this platform and to all of you, our dedicated supporters, for making our work possible. Together, we are building a brighter future for families across Saskatchewan.

Chelsey & Owen’s Story: A Journey to Homeownership

,

Chelsey and Owen’s story is a testament to the power of having a place to call home. Becoming Habitat homeowners has been nothing short of a dream come true for them, akin to winning a life-changing lottery. “My father still lives in the same home that I grew up in. There are so many memories. Knowing that you can come back to the home you grew up in, for holidays and family dinners – there’s comfort in that. And that’s what I want for my family,” shares Chelsey, her voice resonating with a sense of hope and determination.

Their journey is one of blending families and aspirations. With five children, creating a harmonious home was a challenge, given their initial limited space. However, when their eldest daughter, Bailey, left for college, the opportunity arose for them to finally live together under one roof. Yet, the reality of sharing a confined space with four growing boys, aged 10, 14, 14, and 17, presented its own challenges. Finding a larger, affordable apartment proved elusive in their search.

“It’s been a struggle. We live in a rental and while it’s not the worst of neighborhoods, it’s not the best either. There’s limited housing in our area and we just couldn’t come up with a down payment to buy a home,” Chelsey candidly admits.

Years ago, a glimmer of hope emerged when a college classmate shared information about Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program. Back then, Chelsey, a single parent, applied but faced income constraints that didn’t meet the qualifications. Fate had different plans, and two years later, Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties reached out to Chelsey and Owen. This time, with their combined efforts, they were accepted into the program.

Their future home’s location holds a deep significance. The land, donated by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, holds ancestral connections for Owen, a member of the Band. Situated across from Pilon Island, where Owen’s grandfather once resided, the land echoes with cherished memories. It was the very spot where Owen’s grandfather used to pick him up before embarking on canoe journeys to spend time together. This land, infused with heritage and history, was the meeting ground for generations. In a touching ceremony attended by Mohawk Grand Chief Abram Benedict, the family broke ground on their new home last October.

Despite the pandemic causing delays, Chelsey and Owen’s family is on the cusp of completing their 500 mandatory volunteer hours. Their commitment to Habitat’s cause led them to volunteering at the Habitat ReStore and participating in various fundraisers. Owen, a skilled carpenter, crafted over 50 birdhouses and feeders during the summer of 2020, which the family then painted and donated to the local Habitat ReStore for sale. As construction finally begins, they eagerly await their chance to contribute on the build site.

For Chelsey, homeownership embodies safety, security, and the promise of a better future for her children. It’s about anchoring her family in a forever home where memories will flourish. The anticipation of extra space, privacy, and the ability to create a vibrant garden fuels their excitement. Their new dwelling will be a sanctuary for family gatherings, a place for extended family to congregate during holidays and dinners. Importantly, it will be a launchpad for their children’s dreams and aspirations.

“Homeownership gives us stability. I want my kids to get a good education. To do well and succeed. That’s my dream,” Chelsey expresses, encapsulating the essence of their journey – a dream of stability, growth, and creating a legacy of hope for generations to come.Our goal at Habitat Saskatchewan is to continue to help families like Chelsey and Owen’s for years to come, and in order to do that, we rely on donors to help support our mission. If you’d like to contribute and make a difference, please visit our donation page.

Empowering Homeownership: Education for a Brighter Future

,

At Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, our commitment to empowering families extends beyond building homes – it encompasses providing the knowledge and tools necessary for successful homeownership. Our Family Services Department partners with families to guide them through the journey of homeownership, and a crucial aspect of this journey is our comprehensive Homeownership Education program. 

Building a Strong Foundation: Homeownership Education

Once a family partners with us, they embark on a transformative journey towards homeownership. A cornerstone of this journey is our mandatory online Homeownership Education classes. These classes are designed to equip families with the essential knowledge and skills required to not only obtain their own homes but also to thrive in their new roles as homeowners.

The Integral Role of Education

Our Homeownership Education classes are not just a requirement; they are a fundamental part of our program. They play a pivotal role in ensuring that families are well-prepared for the responsibilities and opportunities that come with owning a home. We believe that a solid foundation of knowledge enhances families’ confidence and success in their homeownership journey.

A Holistic Curriculum

The curriculum of our Homeownership Education program covers a diverse range of topics that are crucial for successful homeownership. Some of the subjects include:

Understanding Mortgages: Familiarizing families with the intricacies of mortgages, empowering them to make informed financial decisions.

Tax Considerations: Providing insights into tax implications and obligations related to homeownership.

Home Insurance: Educating families about the importance of home insurance and how to choose the right coverage.

Financial Obligations and Budgeting: Equipping families with budgeting skills to manage homeownership expenses effectively.

Credit Education: Offering guidance on building and maintaining good credit, which is essential for financial stability.

Home Maintenance and New Home Warranty: Empowering families to take care of their homes goes beyond ensuring longevity and comfort. We understand the significance of long-lasting investments, and that’s why we also provide families with valuable insights into the New Home Warranty Program. This program outlines details around the 1-year, 2-year, and 10-year plans families buy into when moving into their new home.

Safety Measures: Educating families on home safety practices to create a secure living environment.

Supporting Families on Their Journey

Our goal is not just to provide homes; it’s to ensure that families succeed in their homeownership journey. To support this goal, we provide volunteer hours to families for their attendance and performance in the Homeownership Education classes. We understand that informed families are better equipped to make the most of their homeownership experience.

Fostering Success and Stability

The Homeownership Education program reflects our commitment to creating lasting change in the lives of our partner families. By arming families with knowledge, we empower them to make informed decisions, achieve financial stability, and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

From Volunteer to Visionary: Kelsey Stewart’s Impactful Journey at Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan

,

Kelsey Stewart, our Director of Fund Development and Marketing at Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, embodies an unparalleled commitment to the non-profit landscape. Armed with a comprehensive education in Marketing and Economics from the University of Regina, Kelsey’s professional journey has evolved over a decade of steadfast dedication.

With a history deeply intertwined with Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, Kelsey’s initial role as Volunteer Coordinator back in 2013 laid the groundwork for her enduring passion for community engagement and the non-profit sector. Now, as she rejoins our team, her extensive experience will elevate our marketing and fundraising endeavours to unprecedented heights.

A pivotal juncture in Kelsey’s career was her distinction as the youngest international team leader for Habitat Canada’s Global Village Program. Through eight transformative ventures to Central America, she guided teams in constructing homes and fostering community bonds.

Kelsey’s legacy reverberates through her orchestration of fundraising events, innovative marketing campaigns, and imaginative fundraising initiatives. Her strategic prowess, complemented by her partnership-building skills, positions her at the forefront of leading positive change.

With Kelsey’s return, we are excited to witness the next chapter of transformative change at Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan and to welcome her back to our family. Her dedication, coupled with her visionary leadership, ensures that our organization will continue to make a meaningful impact, one home, one partnership, and one life at a time.

Celebrating National Nonprofit Day: Empowering Change with Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan

,

Every year, on National Nonprofit Day, we come together to recognize and celebrate the profound impact that nonprofit organizations have on our communities. It’s a day dedicated to honoring the selfless efforts of individuals and groups who work tirelessly to create positive change in the world. Let’s delve into the significance of National Nonprofit Day, shed light on the essential role of nonprofit organizations, particularly Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, and explore ways you can support our mission.

Understanding National Nonprofit Day

National Nonprofit Day is a day of gratitude and reflection, a day to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions of nonprofit organizations. It serves as a reminder that these organizations play a crucial role in addressing societal challenges, improving lives, and fostering a sense of unity within communities. This day highlights the collective power of individuals and groups coming together to create positive change and make a lasting impact.

Unveiling the Role of Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations are driven by a passion for social and environmental change. They operate with a mission to address specific issues, uplift underserved communities, and make a positive difference. These organizations operate under the principle that profits are reinvested into their causes, rather than being distributed to shareholders. Nonprofits encompass a diverse range of fields, from education and healthcare to social services and environmental conservation.

Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan: Building Homes, Transforming Lives

Among the myriad of nonprofit organizations, Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan stands out for its profound dedication to providing safe and affordable housing. We believe that everyone deserves a decent place to call home, and we work tirelessly to make this a reality. What sets us apart is our unique Homeownership Program, which empowers families by offering them a hand up, not a handout. 

At the core of our mission, Habitat for Humanity ReStores hold an extraordinary role in crafting homes and reshaping lives. With three ReStores across the province, we redefine the charitable landscape by offering a mix of gently used and new goods at a fraction of the price. What truly sets this initiative apart is its profound impact – each purchase you make at our ReStores flows into a ripple effect, helping with the construction of homes for deserving families and fortifying our vital operations. 

This exceptional synergy between our ReStores and Homeownership Programs redefines the concept of giving, as you shop sustainably and purposefully, actively contributing to the transformation of communities and the realization of dreams. Through collaborative efforts, volunteers, and community partners, we create a pathway for families to achieve homeownership and break the cycle of poverty.

Making a Difference, One Home at a Time

Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan is not just about constructing houses; it’s about building stronger communities. Our focus on affordable homeownership goes beyond bricks and mortar—it creates a ripple effect of positive change. Families who partner with us experience improved well-being, stability, and self-reliance. By providing a foundation for families to thrive, we contribute to the overall betterment of our society.

Supporting Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan: How You Can Make a Difference

Your support is integral to our mission of creating affordable housing opportunities. Here are a few ways you can contribute:

  • Volunteer: Join our dedicated team of volunteers and actively participate in building homes and transforming lives. Explore opportunities at our ReStores in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, where you can give back, learn new skills, and make a lasting impact. Your commitment, whether a few hours or a full day, is a crucial step toward brighter futures for families in need. Learn more about volunteering on our website.
  • Donate: Your financial support helps us secure materials, resources, and funding needed to build homes.
  • Spread Awareness: Share our mission with your friends, family, and social networks to raise awareness about the importance of affordable housing.

Celebrating the Power of Collaboration 

As National Nonprofit Day draws our attention to the vital role of organizations dedicated to positive change, we encourage you to join us in honoring their collective efforts. Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan’s commitment to affordable housing exemplifies the spirit of nonprofit work in action. By engaging with our mission, you become an essential partner in the journey toward a world where secure and comfortable homes are within reach for all. Together, we lay the foundation for a brighter future, one home at a time.

Shift Gears for Good: Donate Your Car to Habitat Saskatchewan Today

,

If you’ve ever wondered about a unique and impactful way to support Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, here’s an option that might surprise you – you can donate your car! That’s right, your old car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle can find new purpose and make a difference in the lives of families in need through our partnership with Donate A Car Canada.

Turning Your Wheels into Homes

At Habitat Saskatchewan, we believe that everyone deserves a safe and decent place to call home. Our mission is to empower working, lower-income families by providing them with affordable homeownership opportunities, and we’re always exploring innovative ways to achieve this goal. Vehicle donation is one such avenue, and it’s a win-win situation for both you and the families we serve.

How Does It Work?

Donating your vehicle through Donate A Car Canada is hassle-free and incredibly rewarding. 

Here’s how it works:

  • Visit the Donate A Car Canada Website: Start by visiting the Donate A Car Canada website (www.donatecar.ca), where you can choose Habitat Saskatchewan as the charity you wish to support.
  • Vehicle Information: Provide details about your vehicle, such as its make, model, year, and condition. Whether your vehicle is in tip-top shape or has seen better days, there’s still value in it.
  • Choose Towing or Drop-Off: Depending on your location, Donate A Car Canada offers free towing for most areas across Canada. Alternatively, you can choose to drop off your vehicle, ensuring that your donation goes even further.
  • Recycling or Auction: Once we receive your donated vehicle, Donate A Car Canada will determine whether it can be recycled or sold at auction. This decision is based on factors like the vehicle’s condition, age, and location.
  • Tax Receipt and Impact: After the process is complete, we will send you a tax receipt for your generous donation. Your gift will contribute directly to our efforts to provide safe and affordable housing to families in Saskatchewan.

Why Donate Your Vehicle?

Donating your vehicle is a meaningful way to support our mission while also enjoying some benefits:

  • Community Support: Your donation contributes to building stronger communities and providing homes for families in need.
  • Simplicity: Donate A Car Canada handles all the details, making the donation process smooth and straightforward.
  • Environmental Impact: Recycling vehicles helps reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.
  • Tax Deduction: You’ll receive a tax receipt for your donation, which can lead to valuable tax deductions.

Join Us in Creating Change

By donating your car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle, you’re joining us in creating lasting change in the lives of families across Saskatchewan. Every donation helps us build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. Together, we’re driving positive change and building stronger communities, one vehicle at a time.

Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan Appoints Darrick Latsay as New CEO

, ,

Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan (HFHSK) has announced the appointment of Darrick Latsay as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2023. Darrick brings with him a wealth of experience, having served as General Manager at Saskatoon-based Kova Engineering, where he increased profit and staffing levels while driving new organizational structures, business systems, and a risk management program. Darrick also worked at Regina-based IPSCO/Evraz for over 15 years, progressing through various roles into management and serving as a continuous improvement leader. He is an Advisory Board member with the Make-a-Wish Foundation and a past volunteer with Realm Foundation, a charity offering personal support networks for people experiencing high levels of physical disability.

Darrick has an MBA and a Leadership Certificate from the University of Regina. He is also a Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, an internationally recognized process of continuous improvement that helps organizations respond to rapidly changing environments.

The CEO Selection Committee was impressed with Darrick’s relationship-building skills and his ability to build consensus and make meaningful connections with partners. He has a strong management background and has demonstrated his ability to empower others to common goals. His results-oriented approach and experience will help Habitat Saskatchewan build upon its provincial merger to attain sustainable growth and serve more families in need of affordable housing.

Darrick, his wife Laura, and their two boys (aged 12 and 13) live on an acreage south of Saskatoon. Active sports schedules and summer camping keep the family busy.

In his new role, Darrick will be based in Saskatoon but will be spending considerable time in all locations to get to know staff and volunteers and understand the best way to support them. He will be working on building a stronger staff and volunteer team, renewing the build program, building new partnerships, and attracting resources to achieve strategic priorities.

Gail Lefebvre, Board Chair of Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, said, “We believe that Darrick brings the level of leadership that our organization requires. We are confident he will help us achieve our growth agenda to serve more low-income families across the province with safe, decent, and affordable housing. His leadership and strong organizational skills will be instrumental in helping us achieve our mission.”

Darrick expressed his excitement about the new opportunity, stating, “Leading Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan is an incredible honour, and I am excited to embark on this journey with our dedicated team. With a deep commitment to making a difference in our communities, I am eager to apply my experience and expertise to advance the organization’s mission of uniting communities to empower low-income families with strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. As a leadership professional, I am committed to driving growth, achieving our mission, and fostering a culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”

The Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan Board of Directors expressed their appreciation to all those who helped work through the transition to the new CEO, including Gary Gurtler, who served as interim CEO. The organization is excited about the future under Darrick’s leadership and looks forward to the journey ahead.

How Habitat for Humanity Can Change a Family’s Life

,

Safe, decent, affordable housing provides families a place to build and grow. When a family is willing to work with Habitat Saskatchewan and is dedicated to the hard work of becoming a homeowner and achieving affordable homeownership, families can transform their lives.

Affordable homeownership helps create the conditions that free families from stress and fear, helping build stability and confidence. Studies show that strong and stable households are foundational to child development and growth. Owning an affordable home also allows homeowners to lift up their entire family by saving for their futures and investing in educational opportunities.

Our Impact on Homeowners

Research has shown that Habitat homeowners are happier, healthier, and more financially stable, allowing them to return to school, learn a new trade or upgrade their job skills. Meanwhile, their children are more confident and do better in school.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation conducted a Canada-wide survey of Habitat families, and the majority reported improved health, happiness, and overall well-being.

Here are the stats:

  • 86% of Habitat homeowners report being happier since moving into their Habitat home. 89% said their family life improved.
  • 70% of homeowners reported improved health, including reduced colds, allergies, asthma symptoms, and stress.
  • 65% reported an increase in their children’s confidence. Children’s participation in extracurricular activities also increased.
  • 58% reported they were better off financially.

The benefits of a Habitat home reach far beyond the four walls these families help build. Through reduced reliance on social housing and food banks, better education and employment outcomes, and improved health, every Habitat home built helps benefit the entire community.

Our Impact on Children

Growing up in a safe, decent, affordable home can powerfully affect children. Our work shows that housing quality, location and affordability affect a child’s ability to thrive.

Low-quality housing accompanied by pests, poor ventilation, lack of heat and other detrimental factors has been strongly linked to physical health problems for children.

The stress that parents experience due to living in poor conditions can translate into emotional and behavioural problems in their children. Children whose families are forced to move frequently in search of better, more affordable living situations often struggle. Parents paying too much for a place to live too often must deplete financial resources that otherwise could be invested in their children’s health, education, and futures.

By building safe, clean, and healthy housing for low-income families, we work to eliminate children’s experiences of substandard housing, thereby supporting their growth and development.

Impact Highlights

Habitat Saskatchewan has partnered with thousands of families throughout our time as an organization. We aim to ensure our families succeed through their homeownership journey by offering them support. One of the areas of support is through our education platform, which allows them to learn about budgeting, financial saving, home maintenance, home insurance, etc.

Here is our impact brought to light:

Highlights from Latoya –  

“The consistency that comes from homeownership will allow me to plan and save for my children’s futures. My children can have opportunities I never had, and maybe I can explore other opportunities for myself, like going back to school.

A Habitat home is a strong foundation for a family, an opportunity on which we can build a better life. Stability for my family is fundamental, and Habitat has made it possible by providing us with a basic tool in achieving this, a home. So, thank you so much to everyone that has made this dream possible for me and my children.” – Latoya, Habitat Saskatchewan homeowner.

 

 

Highlights from Ramona –

“Being able to say that this is our home brings joy to our life. We are very happy we have a beautifully built home that suits our family’s needs. We live in an accessible unit, and it has provided me with the accessibility to care for my son with more ease. Our everyday routines are manageable without limitations.

The accessibility and modifications that have been done to our home has had a huge impact on our quality of life. Our lives have become more stress-free, and at the end of each day we enjoy reminiscing and looking forward to what our future holds.” – Ramona, Habitat Saskatchewan homeowner.

You can look at Habitat Saskatchewan’s impact by checking out the stories on our website in the news section or by visiting our social media pages @habitatsask.

Dessie – A Habitat Saskatchewan Family Story

,

Dessie originally came from Ethiopia and spent some time in a refugee camp in Uganda until he was accepted by the government of Uganda and given a refugee mandate. After 16 years of suffering through refugee life, in 2007, he was sponsored by Knox Metropolitan United Church. He came to Regina with his 5-year-old son. Shortly after being in Regina and taking English classes, he started working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority as a continuing care aid. To become certified, he could work there while taking the continuing care aid course through SIAST.

Dessie told his story at the Habitat Saskatchewan Doors and More event in 2019.

In 2011 he became a Canadian Citizen. In 2013 he applied for the Nursing Program at SAIST and was accepted. He knew that accomplishing this would be challenging as a single father. Still, he worked very hard, knowing it would help give his son and himself a better life in Canada. His dream was to graduate as a nurse, get a good job, buy a house, and proceed to plan for their future.

The Next Chapter

When he started his second year of nursing study, tragic and shocking news came from back home in Ethiopia. His elder sister and her husband died in a car accident, leaving their four children without a guardian. The children were also travelling with their parents, but they survived, except one had a terrible back injury. These children don’t have other aunties or uncles who can care for them except for Dessie. From that point, he decided to discontinue his studies to work full-time and help his sister’s children. He took the responsibility of caring for them by sending them money through the temporarily assigned legal guardian. The following steps would be to figure out how to get them to Canada and apply to be their legal guardian soon.

Dessie applied to Immigration Canada to sponsor his four orphan nieces and nephews to come to Canada and live with him. His application was accepted for all children, which was a significant accomplishment. Two children could come to Regina before the other two, making the transition hard but manageable. The other two children had to stay behind in Ethiopia together due to the back injury of the youngest child. During his immigration process, the youngest boy’s medical result showed that his back injury had nerve and muscle complications. His mobility will be affected while he grows up unless he gets proper medical attention. When he gets older, he may have difficulty walking up and downstairs. Dessie was told he would require a wheelchair-accessible home before the other two children could join them in Canada. Dessie was sad and upset as he was unsure how to get an accessible home due to the lack of options and financial situation. Ultimately, he could not save for a house downpayment with the many loans and students he had taken on for his schooling.

Dessie decided to go back to his nursing school studies in the meantime while he tried to figure out his housing situation, specifically affordable housing in Regina. The three-bedroom apartment he lived in with the three children in downtown Regina was old and poorly maintained—cracks in the walls, heating and window issues, and infested with mice and cockroaches. The building they lived in was also unsafe. The security system at the entrance door would not work, so anyone could open and enter the building. They found numerous homeless people inside, sometimes with knives and potential weapons, sleeping in the front door and hallways. Dessie and the children were extremely scared, and this living situation was not ideal with the children involved.

Applying for the Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan Homeownership Program

After thinking hard about his situation, Dessie applied to the Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan homeownership program. After going through the application process and supplying Habitat with all of the required financial documentation, and then having a home visit, he was accepted into the program. Habitat was able to build Dessie and his family a four-bedroom home with a full basement that was wheelchair accessible.

Dessie and some of his children with Tara Goulet, the Director of Family Services for Habitat Saskatchewan enjoying a nice visit together.

Once Dessie was able to confirm with Immigration Canada that he had a stable and accessible home, he was able to apply to have the other two children join their family in Regina. As of 2021, all the children are together in Regina, safe and sound. All his children are happy and confident to invite their friends to come and play and hang out in their new home. They are so excited to be together in the same house and now have a sense of stability. Dessie is happy to be a homeowner while paying down a mortgage to help him build equity for his children’s future, which he never thought would be achievable. “After all these children have been through, providing them with stability and a safe neighbourhood is a dream come true” – Dessie.

Dessie’s life has also changed throughout his homeownership journey, especially now that he has more joy and confidence. Dessie is no longer a single dad and has an addition to his family, a beautiful baby girl! Congratulations are in order! “Homeownership with Habitat has given me blessings” – Dessie.

Watch a clip we took of Dessie as he tells us how he feels about being a homeowner:

 

Be a Hero Today!

Thank you to the many donors, volunteers, and partners who helped Dessie and his family achieve their homeownership dream and the safety they deserved.

If you want to be a hero in a family’s life, like Dessie, please donate to Habitat Saskatchewan today!

Any donation helps our purpose by empowering Saskatchewan families through safe, decent and affordable homeownership.

Click Here to Donate

Why Donate to a Charity?

,

Why Donate to a Charity? 

Donating to charity will do more than help your favourite cause; giving can also provide you with many personal benefits. Whether you donate to our charity or another charity of your choice, charities need help to continue their selfless initiatives.

Here is why we believe people in our communities donate to their charity of choice:

FINANCIAL BENEFITS TO DONATING

Donating to charity can save you money come tax time! When you donate to a registered charity in Canada, you receive a tax receipt. You can submit it with your annual tax return to receive a tax credit of up to 53 percent of your donation. A significant contribution could mean big tax savings, which is a fantastic reason why giving back!

IT STARTS WITH THE KIDS

Teaching children to care about others is essential! Showing kids that you can be a hero to someone else in need is invaluable! Children who watch you donate your money or time will grow up knowing that giving back is the right thing to do and might follow in your footsteps.

GIVING = HAPPINESS 

Giving connects us to others, creates stronger communities and helps to build a happier society for everyone. Helping others not only makes us happier and healthier, but it is also good for the recipient. Donating to an important charity helps them continue their vital work and improve your emotional well-being. You don’t have to give money. You can give your time, ideas, and energy. I bet you can see now how this is a win-win situation!

BENEFITS OF DONATING YOUR TIME

If you cannot contribute financially to a charity but are looking for other ways to give back, consider volunteering your time instead. You can meet new people, learn new skills to add to your resume or complete necessary community hours. You can also get involved in the community that supports your favourite cause. For example, if you attend a fundraising event for your favourite charity, you’ll meet new, like-minded people who care about the same cause.

You could also donate your time to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore!

SHOWING GRATITUDE

When you choose to support a charity, you are showing gratitude. You can also inspire others to give by posting your kind action on social media to inspire others to give generously.

WAYS TO GIVE TO HABITAT SASKATCHEWAN

There are so many ways to give to a charity, but first, you want to get familiar with each one to choose what is right for you.

The ways that you can donate to Habitat Saskatchewan are as follows:

  1. Monthly Giving –You can significantly impact our community while making less impact on your wallet. Your convenient and automatic monthly donation helps us plan long-term, budget more efficiently and create more life-changing outcomes. Monthly donations can be any amount that is affordable and meaningful to you and can be changed at any time. For some people, that is $5 a month and for others, $200 a month.
  2.  Legacy Giving –A legacy gift in your will is a simple way to help more families in need of safe and decent housing. You can leave cash or real estate securities. Leaving a legacy gift is the most efficient way to significantly contribute to a charity and ease the burden of your future estate. Legacy gifts can be given in two ways. First, you can leave a lump-sum cash amount to an organization of your choice. These gifts are given separately when you pass away and are not included in your residual estate (everything that’s left after debts/taxes are paid and specific gifts are distributed). Instead of or in addition to leaving a set amount, you may leave a percentage of your residual (remaining) estate to a charity. With planned giving in Canada, the organization will receive the cash value of the distribution you gave them from your overall estate. While a charitable cash gift will remain constant over time, a percentage of your residual estate can grow over time, resulting in a higher potential donation to the charity of your choice.
  3.  Gift of Securities through Canada Helps –By donating publicly traded securities, you eliminate the capital gains tax you would have to pay if you sold the securities and then donated the proceeds. You will also receive a charitable tax receipt for your donation. You can give now or as part of your Estate and Will planning. Donations of securities can now be made through Canada Helps. It is an easy and tax-advantageous way to help Habitat Saskatchewan serve more families. To transfer securities to us, simply visit Canada Helps online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/habitatsask/.
  4. Donate your car – Donate a Car Canada accepts vehicle donations for Habitat Saskatchewan. Free towing is provided in most areas across Canada, or you can drop off your vehicle to maximize your donation. When you donate your car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle to us through Donate A Car Canada, it will either be recycled or sold at auction (depending on its condition, age, and location). Donate a Car Canada will look after all the details to make it easy for Habitat Saskatchewan to benefit. After your vehicle donation is complete, our charity will send you a tax receipt and will put your gift to good use. Visit Car Canada’s website https://donatecar.ca/.
  5. Donate to a ReStore – By donating to one of our three ReStores (Regina, Saskatoon or Prince Albert), you are helping up achieve our purpose. We can then help more families in need of low-income housing opportunities. When you donate to a ReStore, the proceeds go to building homes for more families in need. You can visit the ReStore Donations section of our website to find out more at https://habitatsaskatchewan.ca/restore/donate/.

When you choose to donate to Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, you are donating to a local charity which provides families with a safe home, renewed self-confidence and a sense of hope. You are not just providing bricks and mortar to help us build a house for a family in need. You are giving families a hand up to live a better, safer, more successful life.

We rely on gifts from individuals like you, corporations, and other groups to help families needing decent and affordable homes throughout Saskatchewan. Your donation will become part of our revolving building fund, so your donation will continue to give.

Donations of any amount are deeply appreciated!  You can donate to us by going to our website here: https://habitatsaskatchewan.ca/donate/

Thank you for choosing Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan as your charity of choice!

#beahero #donatetoday #helpingfamilies #community #support #donate #Habitatsask