OFIA’s generosity on full display for Canada 150

The Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) commitment to help build safe, decent, affordable homes for families is shining through in a big way for Canada’s 150th. As the Official Wood Sponsor of our Pinery Trail project (phase 2), OFIA’s members are donating all the wood products necessary to complete this project. It is a gift that is going to allow us to significantly speed up our build activity and move 15 Habitat families into their new homes.

Our partnership marks Habitat GTA’s largest donation of wood to date. The announcement was made in 2016 at the Ontario’s forestry reception at Queen’s Park. You could feel the excitement in the room when the Honourable Kathryn McGarry, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry took the stage to announce how we are planning to work together.

In addition to providing the necessary wood for these homes, OFIA members rolled up their sleeves to help us build for two days in May. It was inspiring to see representatives from OFIA step up and give back with their time. The Habitat volunteer Crew Leaders on site were so impressed with how hard the OFIA volunteers worked and with the skills that they brought. The OFIA volunteers were proud and excited to see that their products will contribute to building brighter futures for families. What a great example of a first time partnership!

There is no better way to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday than to bring communities together to build affordable homes. In the GTA’s heated housing market, we need to continue to work with partners like OFIA to make homeownership possible for more working, low-income families, and build brighter futures for families and stronger communities for all.