Qualico BC employees lend a hand at Habitat for Humanity build day

Mission, BC – Qualico BC employees took part in their first Habitat for Humanity volunteer build day on June 23 at a build site located at 32588 Cedar Valley Connector in Mission, BC.

Fourteen volunteers from Foxridge Homes, StreetSide Developments, Communities, and Qualico admin helped with the landscaping portion of the project – the last stage of the project (along with construction of a playground), which is expected to be completed by late October.

The project includes 19 three-bedroom homes that are now providing safe, affordable housing for low- to middle-income families.

At the build day, Qualico volunteers worked on building fences (including digging holes for the posts, ensuring the beams were level, and screwing the metal slats into place), moving extra concrete, building retaining walls, and leveling out soil to ready it for seeding.

Kyle Minish, Development Coordinator, StreetSide Developments BC, was one of the volunteers and shared that he enjoyed the experience of doing something different from his day-to-day duties.

“For many who don’t get to get their hands dirty, it was amazing to experience the building site and give back to the community,” he said. “The staff at Habitat for Humanity were willing to teach people how to use the tools required and were willing to take the time to explain the processes. I would 100% do it again to gain additional exposure to building.”

Another volunteer at the build day, Rod Haertl, Senior Construction Manager, StreetSide Developments BC, noted that he found the experience rewarding and an important opportunity to connect with others in the company.

“I thought it was a great team-building experience in an industry that we’re already working in, in some capacity,” he said. “I think we all enjoyed a change in our regular duties to interact with Qualico peers while assisting a non-profit organization to improve lives in the community. It was also interesting to see how an organization like Habitat for Humanity operates and what they can build primarily with volunteers.”

Stephani Baker, Vice-President of Construction, Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver, said the organization is always appreciative of companies and their employees taking the time to help with building projects, and that Qualico’s involvement will help encourage other companies to join in.

“Thanks again to Qualico for their wonderful support of our work,” she said. “Having an eager and hard-working crew on our build site helps to ensure the timely completion of our project so families can move in as quickly as possible. We hope that the team feels a sense of accomplishment knowing that they can drive by for years to come and see the fruits of their contribution."