More than $60,000 raised by BILD members for Habitat for Humanity GTA

GREATER TORONTO, July 15, 2015 /CNW/ - Members of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) raised more than $60,000 for its community partner Habitat for Humanity GTA through three major events in just one week.

Habitat Week included BILD's annual Race for Humanity, Charity BBQ and Stephen's Ride for Humanity. All three took place between July 8-13 and members came out in droves to support the cause.

"We are proud of our community partnership with Habitat for Humanity GTA and since 2003, BILD members have raised more than $825,000 for Habitat and have helped 12 partner families realize their dream of homeownership," said BILD President and CEO Bryan Tuckey.

"BILD members work hard every day to build complete communities across GTA and this is another way we can work together, with our Habitat partners, to make sure that anyone who wants to own a home, can do so."

During the 6^th annual Race for Humanity 23 teams of members competed in the scavenger-hunt fundraiser around the City of Toronto. Teams had to channel their inner-architect to build a structure taller than the shortest team member, score high at balloon archery and win a sumo wrestling match in a public park. The event, presented by the Toronto Star and In2ition Realty, has been recognized with international awards numerous times since its inception.

The Race finish line was at BILD headquarters, where the 23^rd annual BILD barbeque was being held. More than 500 builders, developers, renovators and service professionals attended the fundraising event on BILD's front lawn and helped to raise money by participating in the silent auction and balloon burst contest. New this year was a dunk tank, sponsored by YP NextHome, and our volunteer BILD senior executives and members helped to raise another $540 for Habitat.

Finally, yesterday members gathered at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville for the 5^th annual Stephen's Ride for Humanity. The 4-kilometre outdoor racing track was ideal for cycling enthusiasts who participated in an open ride, followed by a team relay. Team registrations and sponsors were the key to raising funds for Habitat during this event.

"BILD's Habitat Week is a true testament of their dedication and ongoing commitment to Habitat GTA's mission of providing affordable homeownership to families living in need across the GTA. Our 12-year partnership has created a profound impact and we congratulate all BILD members on the active support this week and each year," says Ene Underwood, CEO, Habitat for Humanity GTA.

BILD thanks Humanitarian Champions Bell and Caesarstone, event sponsors, auction donors, volunteers and guests for all the fundraising support. Member-driven volunteer committees plan and organize these successful events every year.

Please visit BILD's YouTube channel to watch our video about supporting Habitat for Humanity GTA.

With more than 1,450 members, BILD, formed through the merger of the Greater Toronto Home Builders' Association and Urban Development Institute/Ontario, is the voice of the land development, home building and professional renovation industry in the Greater Toronto Area.  BILD is proudly affiliated with the Ontario and Canadian Home Builders' Associations.

Photos can be viewed on facebook.com/bildgta, twitter.com/bildgta and instagram.com/bildgta. For additional information or high res images, contact Andrei Zaretski or Amy Lazar.

SOURCE Building Industry and Land Development Association

For further information: Amy Lazar, Manager, Communications, 416-391-3452 or 416-543-3903, [email protected]; Andrei Zaretski, Manager, Marketing & Media Relations, 416-391-3450 or 416-843-4898, [email protected]