24 of Toronto's top CEO's launch National Volunteer Week by building homes with Habitat for Humanity Toronto

TORONTO, April 12, 2012 /CNW/ - On April 16, Habitat for Humanity Toronto, in partnership with Intriciti, will celebrate National Volunteer Week together with a group of Toronto CEOs who will be trading in their smartphones for hard hats to build homes for six low-income families.

"National Volunteer Week is an important time to reflect on the role of volunteering in shaping our communities," says Neil Hetherington, CEO of Habitat Toronto. "To see top executives take the time to roll up their sleeves to build affordable homes sets a wonderful example."

Habitat Toronto relies on volunteers to build affordable homes. With the affordable housing crisis at an all-time high, so is the need for volunteers. Events like National Volunteer Week are important to raising awareness of the essential role volunteerism plays in Canada.

"Writing a check is often an easy way out," explains event organizer Alana Walker Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of Intriciti, a Toronto-based organization that inspires business leaders to integrate faith with business. "CEO's are fundamental to the support of our local charitable organizations, however, these individuals are often removed from the everyday reality of those in need.  Our annual CEO Project hosted during National Volunteer Week provides an opportunity for those CEO's who are often sought out to sit on boards and/or make donations to experience philanthropy first hand."

Who:	24 of Toronto's Chief Executive Officers, including Neil Hetherington, CEO of Habitat Toronto; Alana Walker Carpenter, CEO of Intriciti; Charlie Rate, President, Operations and Maintenance, SNC-Lavalin; Howard Drukarsh,  Co-Founder, Right at Home Realty, Peter Murphy, Partner, Fraser Milner Casgrain.
What:	CEOs to build affordable homes with Habitat for Humanity Toronto
Where:	42 to 52 Acme Crescent build site at Kipling Avenue and Dixon Road
When:	Monday, April 16, 2012 08:30 am - 09:00 am  Speeches 09:15 am - 11:45 am   CEO's Build on Site 12:30 pm - 01:00 pm Speeches

Follow the event on Twitter: @habitattoronto #CEOBuild

About Habitat for Humanity Toronto:
Established in 1988, Habitat for Humanity Toronto is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian housing organization. We welcome all people without discrimination to join us as we build simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with low-income families. One hundred percent of all administrative and fundraising costs are paid for by the operation of four Toronto ReStores. Habitat Toronto ReStores sell quality new and gently used donated building materials. Habitat for Humanity Toronto is proud to be ranked as one of the top 5 medium sized builders by the 2011 Tarion Award of Excellence. Every 10 minutes, Habitat for Humanity helps a family improve their housing situation in more than 100 countries around the world.

About Intriciti
Authenticity. Best Practices.  Faith. These are not words that we associate with Bay Street.  Intriciti is a non-profit organization, dedicated to inspire business leaders to integrate faith with business. This young organization is supported by a solid team of high profile executives and headed by Alana Walker Carpenter, the mind and hands of Intriciti and key team leader on the charity's areas of expertise. The group empowers its followers through five business practices - special events, individual and group coaching, roundtable discussions, leadership development and philanthropic initiatives - to effect change and inspire executives to put their beliefs in action from Monday to Friday.

 

 

For further information:

or media requests, please contact: 

Esther Bowser, Acting Director of Marketing and Communications
Habitat for Humanity Toronto
www.torontohabitat.ca
T: 416.755.7353 x 228 C: 416-708-6481 E: [e-mail]