One Build at a Time: How Habitat for Humanity is helping women and their families
For a single mother of two working three jobs while putting herself through school, finding out that the apartment she rented was being sold was not welcome news. Her story is just one of many of the over 2,000 Canadian families that Habitat for Humanity has helped with affordable homeownership. Today more than 3.2 million Canadians struggle to get by without a safe, decent and affordable place to live or about 1.5 million Canadian families, many of whom are single mothers. This month we hear from Mary Bone, Executive Director of Habitat Durham, talk about the families they have helped, and how you too can help.
About Mary Bone
A charitable sector professional with 20 years of experience Mary settled with Habitat for Humanity Durham in February 2008. Having worked with 1 International charity – The Starlight Children’s Foundation and 1 National charity – The Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness, choosing Habitat seemed like a natural fit, a grassroots charity with an International appeal.
Prior to her chairtable career, Mary’s profession was in education within the college sector. After training in the computer industry and achieving her educational goal as a Computer Software Specialist, and as a Computer Systems Architect & Analyst being able to impart information to others was at the time her true passion. “Working with people has always been key, the cognitive moment is still one of my favourite things to witness.”
Charity work struck a personal cord when her then 4 year old son had his wish granted through the Starlight Children’s Foundation. It was after this experience that she found her heart in the charitable industry.
Habitat for Humanity has always been an organization that appealed to Mary, and before being hired as the Executive Director she volunteered many hours to this affiliate. In November 2007, Habitat for Humanity North Durham was given the opportunity to encompass the entire Region of Durham, it was with this growth in mind that Mary happily accepted the position.
“I believe we all have such incredible capacity to help make a difference in other people’s lives, one person can be responsible for enourmous change – you just have to be brave enough to take a leap of faith and believe that you can make it happen: This has been the best 20 years, I wouldn’t change one experience! I am thankful for each lesson learned, cherish every earned wrinkle, grey hair and moment that God has given to me to help make a difference.”
5 in 5 Presentation
This month Monica Olenroot from CARAHS will be presenting on Finding a Good Contractor.
For more information download March 2012 Flyer
Event Registration for March 2012 Dinner Meeting - Dinner Meeting
| To register for this meeting, please fill in the form below. Reservations will contact you for your credit card information. Accepted payment is Cash, Cheque, Credit Card or email money transfer |
| March 2012 Dinner Meeting - Cost CAD 35.00 |