Qualico employees cycle to help raise nearly $800K for Habitat for Humanity

Invermere, BC and Kenora, ON ­– Braving the spectacular yet unforgiving terrain of the Rockies and Canadian Shield, 15 Qualico participants laced up to cycle and raise a record-setting $787,000 for Habitat for Humanity’s Ride Through the Rockies and Ride Around the Lake fundraising campaigns earlier this summer.

The cycling events, held August 23-25 in Invermere and September 6-8 in Kenora respectively, saw members of the homebuilding industry embark on journeys of more than 300 km to raise funds for families in need of a helping hand.

Ken Crockett, Vice-President, Star Building Materials Calgary, is one of the event’s most dedicated organizers and cyclists. For Ken, the two cycling events are an opportunity to give back to the community, build relationships, and help others experience the stability of affordable home ownership.

“We support Habitat for Humanity because we see it as an integral part of our responsibility as a leader in the homebuilding industry,” said Ken.

Ken added that making it through the gruelling trip, where riders cycle more than 100 km a day, provides a chance to test one’s physical limits and contemplate the struggle faced by thousands of families across the country.

“It’s in the tough moments, when you are questioning whether you can complete the ride, that you really start to reflect on why you’re doing this,” he said. “It gives you perspective and you really appreciate how hard these families work to improve their living conditions and provide a better environment for themselves and their children. It fuels you to keep going and reach the finish line.”

Qualico’s team of cyclists travelled a combined distance of nearly 5,000 km this year – roughly the equivalent distance between Victoria, BC and St. John’s, NL – over six intense days.

Kevin Van, President and CEO, Qualico, says the two rides show what is possible when you have a committed team working towards a common goal. "The physical challenge is always tough, but the camaraderie and satisfaction of knowing we're making a tangible difference for these families keeps us going,” said Kevin. “Through each difficult stretch of highway, we gained strength through our shared belief that we can achieve great things together."

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing organization that helps families build and improve homes. To qualify for the program, homeowners must commit to completing at least 500 volunteer hours, known as “sweat equity,” by working on their own or others’ homes. They also pay an affordable mortgage, ensuring monthly payments do not exceed 30% of their income. These payments, in turn, help fund more Habitat homes.

This year’s Ride Through the Rockies was a first for Claudio Palumbo, Regional Vice-President, Qualico Southern Alberta, who trained for several months before embarking on the trip and personally raised an incredible $89,000 so far for the cause.

“Habitat for Humanity is near and dear to my heart,” expressed Claudio, “and the ride allowed us to raise money for a cause that we believe in. Seeing the families given the keys to their new homes is humbling and motivating to do more.”

Fellow first time rider Kal Hourd, Vice-President, NuVista Homes, added the journey was well worth the time and effort.

“Being able to support an incredible charity like Habitat and help families realize the dream of home ownership is truly fulfilling,” Kal said.

Qualico’s longstanding support for Habitat for Humanity goes back many years, and the company has now participated in 18 Ride Around the Lake and 11 Ride Through the Rockies events. It also sponsors numerous Habitat for Humanity initiatives throughout the year and encourages employees to volunteer in build days and other Habitat events in Western Canada and the US.

Grace Karpinsky, Executive Assistant, Qualico Winnipeg, serves on the Habitat for Humanity Women Build committee in her free time. To her, supporting Habitat for Humanity year-round is a rewarding and humbling experience.

"I truly believe that a hand-up is better than a handout, that sweat equity builds pride in ownership, and that knowing the system pays it forward to other families resonates both with the purchasing families and the volunteers,” Grace said.

Ride Around the Lake and Ride Through the Rockies fundraising drives remain open, with donations accepted until Nov. 30.