Can you help Habitat for Humanity

by Keely Grasser

Sep 14, 2007

ALMAGUIN – Every aluminum can the North Bay and Blue Sky Region (NBBSR) Habitat for Humanity (HFH) chapter collects brings them closer to building another affordable house in the region.

They’re participating in the Alcan Builds on Recycling program. HFH affiliates across Canada may collect cans as a fundraiser and Alcan Inc. matches the funds raised on the returns, up to $2,500 a year.

Alcan fully-funds the construction of a Habitat home for the three chapters in Canada that collect the most cans. That’s what the organization is all about: through volunteer labour and donations, it rehabilitates and builds houses for low-income families. HFH sells the homes at no profit to the families, who must invest hundreds of hours into the building of their own and others’ Habitat home.

The NBBSR chapter’s goal is to become one of those three communities who Alcan funds a home for, said the local HFH’s Ellen Faulkner.

And that’s where the community comes in.

“Really what we’re looking for is for people in the Blue Sky Region to come on board,” Faulkner said.

HFH, which started locally about a year ago, collects cans at four locations in North Bay, but is looking to outlying communities to gather cans and then bring them up.

It’s a perfect opportunity for a community group or school to help out, she said.

HFH collects aluminum beverage cans, as well as beer cans and liquor or wine bottles, she said.

The NBBSR chapter started collected cans in May. So far they’ve collected 2,517 pounds or $1,621.

“The word’s getting out there,” Faulker said.

The cut-off for this year’s competition is April 15.

Cans can be dropped off to volunteers at the North Bay Mall parking lot on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Starting Oct. 6, volunteers will be inside.

They can also be dropped off at the Sobey’s parking lot, on Algonquin Avenue in North Bay, on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cans are accepted at Alternasavings, at 107 Sheriff St. in North Bay, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or at North Bay Salvage, where you can request the donation be put on the chapter’s account.

For more information, call the chapter’s office at 495-6244.