i won this beautiful hand painted silk scarf for saying that the thing i would like to see happen to make the world a nicer place was the success of my obsession. i'm a member of Habitat for Humanity in a nearby city, and i've been nagging my fellow board members for years to start a ReStore there. for those who don't know what HFH and ReStores are, HFH uses volunteer labor and donated money, materials and skills to build homes for folks who, though hard working and deserving, can't qualify for a standard mortgage to buy a home. they just don't make enough money. the working poor. the idea is that living in a safe, decent, affordable home can be a life changing experience for adults and children alike, and makes the world a better place. everyone deserves a safe, decent, affordable place to live.
ReStores are retail outlets for donated building materials, appliances, furniture..... anything that goes into building and maintaining a home. they get donations of scratch and dent doors, windows, etc, discontinued lines of flooring, tiles, cabinets, ...... the list is endless. and they sell them at bargain prices - some of these things are brand new! all profits, after operating costs, go directly to Habitat for Humanity for the building of more homes. prospective homeowners must contribute a certain number of 'sweat equity' hours in the construction of their homes, and they are given an interest free mortgage on the cost of the house, with payments scheduled according to their incomes. ALL money payed into mortgages returns to the building fund, for more homes.
since 1996 our HFH affiliate has produced homes for 9 families. not bad for a handful of very tired volunteers, doing our small part to make our corner of the world a better place. just a month or so ago, i got permission to start research for a business plan for our very own ReStore, and if i do a good job of that, and we can manage to pull it off, i might just land the job of ReStore manager too! this is one of my fondest dreams coming true!!!! and i can't think of a lovelier way to celebrate it than with this gorgeous wearable art.
cyberhug to Su
![[betterdays.JPG]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_srqa4180iAA/SMww8YVUXaI/AAAAAAAAAu0/obB-_0KvbL8/s1600/betterdays.JPG)
3 comments:
Congratulations to you and your local Directors & the team that carry out such marvellous work!! Helping like this is the best way possible to make the world a better place, no doubt those 9 families are currently experiencing that generosity and benefiting enormously from your help.
I have read about Habitat for Humanity and I very impressed with the worldwide organization and how it's able to operate so effectively at each local level in respect of communities. I noticed there is also one here in Victora where I live. Good luck with the store, keep us informed !.
Best wishes
This is a great idea. I'm glad you were rewarded such a beautiful gift for your hard work. I'm excited for you to get your very own ReStore! I hope it come to pass SOON.
lindsay - thanks for the encouraging words. i've been making trips to stores in Alberta and meeting with their managers to help with our business plan..... i wonder if the board would spring for a trip to Austrialia for research.....?
cicero - it is a beautiful scarf, and i love silk. i'm sure you'll be hearing more about the project. i'll be thinking about nothing else over the winter. we're hoping to open a ReStore next June.
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