In support of the community
The idea to donate the materials came about because FortisBC community relations liaison Chloe Finn was listening closely and thinking outside the box. During an EGP Project construction update, Chloe learned that there were hundreds of plywood sheets slated for removal from our Eagle Mountain compressor station in Coquitlam. She recognized a valuable opportunity to benefit people in Metro Vancouver.
“I knew the plywood sheets were likely in really good shape and could be used to help people in the community in some way,” Chloe explains. “Donating them just made sense as a practice of good stewardship.”
The next question was where to donate the materials. EGP’s lead inspector Mark Zimmerman of our Eagle Mountain Compressor Station expansion suggested Habitat for Humanity ReStore. These consumer-facing locations are key contributors to Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide safe and stable housing for hardworking families in our communities. They are more than retail locations. They operate as a social enterprise.
Affordable housing in Greater Vancouver
Donations to ReStore locations help Habitat for Humanity generate revenues to build new homes and build up families and whole communities for the long-term. Every sale helps fund beneficial building projects in our region. The organization’s 19-home project in Mission is only one example.
“We are grateful to FortisBC for contributing to Habitat for Humanity and we hope other local companies will consider following their lead to help us continue to fund building projects that support homeownership for hardworking families in the Greater Vancouver region,” said Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver supply chain and retail strategy manager Aditya Chauchan.
FortisBC supported Habitat for Humanity with a 5-ton flatbed deck truck used to deliver the plywood to two ReStore locations—Langley and Abbotsford.
Chloe was excited about the chance to make a contribution. “When I learned about the great work Habitat for Humanity is doing and that there was a way for us to help, I was inspired.” said Chloe. “I know many people are struggling to find affordable housing right now, particularly in Metro Vancouver. I’m proud that FortisBC is helping raise money for such a great cause.”
Sales of the plywood sheets contributed approximately $7,500 to local building projects for families in communities across our region.
Homeownership for multiple generations
Every donation helps Habitat for Humanity support families who need safe, decent and affordable housing. Aditya explains how ReStore addresses a growing need:
“Homeownership is a primary pillar to support a more stable future for individuals, families and communities in Canada. Our most recent affordable housing survey revealed that 82% of Canadians feel that a lack of safe and stable housing threatens their financial stability. Sales from building materials donations to our ReStore locations like the one FortisBC made help generate the revenue needed to support communities of homeowners across multiple generations.”
Helping to build up the community today and tomorrow
Chloe and Mark on our EGP team applied a creative solution to do our part to re-use materials we have on hand on our site in Coquitlam. Connecting with Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver was another way for FortisBC to play a role in affecting positive change for people seeking homes where we live and serve.
We are thankful for the opportunity to contribute and are actively looking for more opportunities to donate materials to Habitat for Humanity in the future. When vision, compassion, care, creativity, initiative, and expertise come together, great things can happen.
