Habitat for Humanity affiliates across Canada to collect 690 million pennies to help build 69 more homes this year

TORONTO, April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Habitat for Humanity is collecting pennies from across Canada to fund the building of 69 more Habitat homes this year, one home for each of its local affiliates. This announcement comes days after the Federal Government's decision to discontinue production of the one-cent piece, and its suggestion that citizens donate their extra coins to charity.

Each of the 69 regional Habitat affiliates across Canada is attempting to collect ten million pennies, equaling $100,000, or the average cost of the materials needed to build one safe, decent and affordable Habitat home. The ultimate goal of the campaign is to collect a total of 690 million pennies in order to help each of Habitat's Canadian affiliates give the hand up of homeownership to one more low-income family. 

"We are very excited to kick-off this nationwide campaign," said Stewart Hardacre, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. "Through the simple donation of spare pennies, more low-income Canadians will gain access to homeownership that is affordable, igniting a transformation within families that will last for generations to come."

As part of this national initiative, Habitat for Humanity affiliate offices and ReStores, building supply and home decor stores run by local Habitat affiliates, will be accepting penny donations. Visit www.habitat.ca to find the affiliate office or ReStore nearest you. Contact Habitat in your community to confirm hours of operation and drop off times.

In Canada, Habitat has given the hand up of affordable homeownership to over 2,000 families since 1985. Habitat homes are sold to low-income families through interest-free mortgages with no down payment required, allowing families to break the cycle of poverty.

About Local Affiliate Offices:

Habitat for Humanity Canada's mission is carried out by 69 affiliates in ten provinces and two territories. These affiliates select partner families for homeownership, provide them with support, manage the building of Habitat homes, and work closely with volunteers and partners at the community level. Affiliates also coordinate events and activities designed to raise funds for the cause and awareness of the need for affordable housing.

About Habitat for Humanity Canada:

Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. With the help of over 50,000 volunteers every year and 69 affiliated organizations from coast to coast, their mission is to break the cycle of poverty through affordable housing and the promotion of homeownership. Visit www.habitat.ca to learn more.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity Canada