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Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com
Habitat for Humanity volunteer co-ordinator Jessica Gallagher (left) and business development manager Keith MacMillan demonstrate how easy salvage work can be. The organization is looking for volunteers to help with several upcoming projects.
Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay is in desperate need for volunteers with a bit of a demolition spirit in their hearts.
The organization, which builds houses for families in need, helps sustain itself through tear-down projects, removing construction material for homeowners in the midst of renovations. The old cabinets, sinks and other salvaged items are then sold at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
Keith MacMillan, the business development manager for the charity, said Tuesday he can use all the help he can get.
In April alone he’s tearing down three cottages.
“If I don’t have the volunteers to do this with me, it’s either going to push back the projects, if the customers agree, because they’re anxious to get their new projects under way. If not, we’ll have to walk away from the project, which in turn turns down product in the store, which of course does not help our fundraising and we can’t build as many homes,” MacMillan said.
While some construction experience is preferable, it’s not a deal-breaker, he added. He’s more than willing to train anyone who wants to lend a helping hand to the cause.
“We’re looking for anybody. A little bit of construction experience is nice to have. However I’m willing to teach, right from swinging a hammer right to use a saw to teaching them how to take buildings apart properly, safely and show them how we recycle, rather than throwing things in the landfill.”
Volunteer co-ordinator Jessica Gallagher said the number of projects coming up mean the need for volunteers is just going to continue to grow.
She’s hoping to find five to six people per day who can spare some time to help with the latest salvage projects.
“We have a lot more projects than we used to,” she said. “We’re not used to having this kind of volume. We’ve been focusing on volunteers for the ReStore and now we need volunteers to go out in the community and bring objects back here to sell.”
About the only qualifications she’s looking for are people who can stand on their feet for a long period of time and aren’t afraid of a little heavy lifting.
“You should come out and volunteer because it’s a great time. It’s a great way to help the community. We’re helping build homes for those in need, which is really what it all comes down to,” she said.
To volunteer on a salvage crew, visit www.habitattbay.com or email volunteer@habitattbay.com.