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On site with the home team

By TN Staff | August 10, 2018

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After reaching the Central Division Final last spring, the Manitoba Moose aren’t waiting for October to turn team work into more success.

On Thursday Aug. 9, team office staff members were joined by friends and family in helping out at the Habitat For Humanity project on Enfield Crescent in Winnipeg’s St. Boniface neighbourhood.

The triplex development is boosting the neighbourhood, and providing quality housing for three deserving families. The project is a win for all involved, and another success story in the making for Habitat For Humanity.

Habitat Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Philanthropy, Michelle Pereira, knows all about the generosity of the public, via donations of money or time, to create positive change. She was thrilled to see the Winnipeg Jets AHL affiliate put in a good shift for the cause.

“This is the first time the Manitoba Moose have been out, and the turnout is significant,” said Pereira during a break from construction. “I think there’s like 30 people here from the group. Just seeing everybody collaborate together, and want to help someone that is a complete stranger to them is extremely empowering for us as an organization.”

CONTINUING A TRADITION

While it was the first time the Moose have been involved with Habitat For Humanity, the helping hands on site at Enfield Crescent represented the latest efforts by the team to help make the community reach its potential.

Kory Harnum is the Manager of Community Relations for the AHL outfit and is impressed by the many benefits of the new partnership.

“The Moose, and True North Sports + Entertainment, are all about giving back to the community. The True North Youth Foundation does a lot of great work, but there are also opportunities (to give back) through the community initiatives our team puts together. This partnership with Habitat for Humanity is a great opportunity to come together as a staff, as a team-builder, but also in a way that we are giving back to the community. So it benefits us, but more importantly it benefits the community.”

In-season Moose players have helped out at Siloam Mission, and enjoyed volunteer visits to St.Amant to learn more about their autism support programs. Those visits are just a few of the many valued community initiatives the club is proud to be part of.

‘HABITAT’ SETS IMPRESSIVE TONE

While few among the Moose volunteers had much experience when it comes to home construction, the Habitat For Humanity crew has a well-established approach to ensure every helping had is given clear instruction on how they can move the project in the right direction.

Moose Managing Director of Hockey and Business Operations Brad Andrews was in the thick of the action and raved about the experience.

“It’s just nice for us to play a small part in (the build). For us to be able to spend the day with Habitat For Humanity today, and help them with this particular build, is really special for us (as an organization).”
Above-and-beyond contributing to a special cause, Andrews praised Habitat For Humanity’s core crew for its ability to make everyone feel welcome and feel they’re making a difference.

“I’ve learned a lot today. All the different people that are here assisting, all the different (construction) leaders that look after each of the small groups, and teach us what to do. It’s a very organized process from when you get here in the morning, through the breaks and the lunch. Obviously they’re very good at this, and it certainly shows by how organized they are.”

WIN-WIN

First and foremost Habitat For Humanity is about supporting families and making dreams come true. Those fortunate enough to help in the process are rewarded with the special feeling that comes with taking time out to give to others. It’s a special experience the Moose front office staff now have a true appreciation for.

You could say it’s similar to that winning feeling on game nights.

“You see the team winning on the ice, coming together, and working together for a common goal on the ice. Then there’s a team off-the-ice, behind the scenes that are doing the same thing (here),” said Harnum while stepping aside from swinging a hammer to chat. “One example of that is here today. Everyone coming together for a common goal of making these homes possible for a few families in the coming months.”

The Habitat For Humanity process usually sees families transition into homes in two years from the start of the application process. The new development in St. Boniface is well on its way to move-in day with early 2019 set as the target.

It just goes to show, there’s no place like home.

For more information on Habitat For Humanity Manitoba visit: habitat.mb.ca

By Mitch Peacock, Manitoba Moose

Photos Courtesy True North Sports + Entertainment and Habitat For Humanity Manitoba

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