Toronto Maple Leafs and Habitat GTA Team Up to Help a Local Family

The Toronto Maple Leafs are teaming up with Habitat for Humanity GTA to help build the Yousuf Family home on Birchmount Road. Construction on the home has already begun. With the help of the Maple Leafs’ Title Home Sponsorship, Eskinder Yousuf, his wife Sayo, and their seven children hope to be able to move into their new home by year’s end.

This new Title Home Sponsorship builds on the relationship between the two organizations that began in 2015 with Maple Leaf players and staff working at our McLevin build site to help construct homes for low-income families. In the months ahead, Toronto Maple Leaf players and staff will again volunteer their time and energy to help build the Yousuf family home, along with other volunteers and partner families.

Yesterday, Maple Leaf players James van Riemsdyk and Peter Holland were on site to meet members of the Yousuf family and cheer on volunteers who were working there for a Crew Build day.

“For generations, the Toronto Maple Leafs have brought Canadian families together in their homes,” said Ene Underwood, CEO, Habitat for Humanity GTA. “How meaningful it is to have the Leafs stepping up and making a home happen for a Canadian family in such a powerful and hands-on way. We couldn’t be prouder to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Leafs celebrating this partnership with us and the Yousuf family.

“The Toronto Maple Leafs are proud to become a Title Home Sponsor and partner with Habitat GTA to make the dream of homeownership a reality for the Yousuf family,” said Brendan Shanahan, Toronto Maple Leafs President and Alternate Governor.  “Our players and staff are honoured to work alongside our community to help support a local family.”

The Yousuf family moved to Canada from Ethiopia in 1989 and since then has been living in an overcrowded rental unit and working hard to improve their living circumstances and prospects.  Upon receiving the news of the Toronto Maple Leaf sponsorship of their home the family expressed their delight. “Home means a place for the whole family to enjoy together,” said Eskinder Yousuf. “Home is an investment. It is hope for the future.”

Full details on the key exchange and dedication ceremony for the Yousuf Family home will be announced later this year.