‘Positive end to a bad year,’ Sault Habitat for Humanity director says

Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide families in need by building new, safe and affordable housing is well known and well admired throughout Canada, the U.S. and more than 70 other countries, but like every other good cause, requires money.

With that, the Sault’s GFL Environmental Inc. office stepped up this past week with a $15,000 donation for Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area’s latest home build. 

“Habitat’s mission is an expensive one, and this year construction costs have gone up, so every donation makes a difference. Donations, like this one from GFL Environmental, make it possible for families to have safe, decent and affordable housing in Sault Ste. Marie,” said Katie Blunt, Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area executive director, in an email to SooToday.

Tracy Poliquin, her mother Carol-Anne Grisdale and her daughter Riddley Proulx were chosen as Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area's 12th Habitat Homeowners.

“Tracy Poliquin and her family will have an extra special Christmas this year because they’ll have their very own Habitat home. It’s a positive end to a particularly challenging year and Habitat is thankful to GFL for making this family’s dream a reality,” Blunt said.

“In May of this past year, GFL launched a charitable program called the Full Circle Project. The goal of the Full Circle Project is to build partnerships with high-impact charities that are continuously striving to make a difference in the communities that we live and work in,” said Chris Dovigi, GFL Environmental Inc. regional manager.

“GFL currently employs over 13,000 men and women across Canada and the United States. Unfortunately, while our ability to physically volunteer during these unprecedented times is difficult, we can still work together to help charities that matter most to all of us.”

“Habitat for Humanity continues to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope,” Dovigi said.

The Nov. 25 cheque presentation to Habitat marked the beginning of GFL’s first local partnership through the Full Circle Project.

“These funds will be used to continue executing their goals of building additional homes within our community and giving hope to families that require our help more now than ever,” Dovigi said.

“GFL is a proud community partner, not only in Sault Ste. Marie, but throughout all the communities that we serve. As we continue to build out our platform, we will continuously strive to have a positive impact, for many organizations, for years to come. I’d like to specifically acknowledge Sal-Dan Developments, Soo Mill and all of their subtrades who throughout the years have dedicated significant resources, coupled with their wealth of knowledge, to provide an affordable and safe home for local families. It’s because of these businesses that have stepped up to the plate that make GFL proud to be a part of Sault Ste. Marie and such a great cause,” Dovigi said.