Three new directors join local Habitat for Humanity board

NEWS RELEASE
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SAULT STE. MARIE AND AREA
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Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie and Area (HFHSSMA) held their 19th Annual General Meeting this past Monday – their second time doing so virtually. 

In Monday’s public Zoom meeting, the non-profit welcomed three new board directors. Joining Habitat’s Board of Directors are Jonathan Kircal, an urban planner in the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s Planning Division, Sarah Lewis, a real estate sales representative with EXIT Realty, and Lorri Kennis, a semi-retired human resources professional, Director of HR for OFRA, and past Board Chair at HFHSSMA.

Habitat also said its goodbyes to two retiring members – Randy Aikens, former vice-chair, and Norm Fera, former treasurer.

“Board service is one of the most essential volunteer roles in an organization. The time, talent, and experience required is extensive and we are fortunate to have had two exceptionally skilled Directors serve on our Board - Randy Aikens and Norm Fera. Both made valuable contributions to our mission over the last several years, and they will be missed by all,” notes Frank Bentrovato, Board Chair.

Several changes were made to the Executive as well. The Board elected Allyson Schmidt as vice-chair, Denton Middaugh as treasurer, and Jeffrey King as secretary.  

In addition, Dale Hammar, a Habitat volunteer since 2015, was awarded this year’s Linda Lewis award for his exemplary volunteer service for HFHSSMA.  

“Dale was the first volunteer to ask about returning to the ReStore after the closure in 2020 and has been vital to our re-opening efforts. He acts as a mentor and a teacher in the Processing Centre, he assists by repairing and cleaning items, and has offered up creative solutions to fix donations. Dale can always be counted on to help with gift-in-kind shipments, he brings items we cannot accept to other charities, and he has a passion for repairing clocks. Everyone at Habitat enjoys working alongside Dale,” stated Katie Blunt, Executive Director in Monday’s meeting. 

The organization has been making record time on their semi-detached build on Wellington Street West this year and anticipates having two families moved in by autumn. Those looking to sponsor the build can reach out to Chelsey Foucher, fundraising and marketing coordinator at [email protected]. Those who are looking for other ways to support Habitat’s mission can shop at the Habitat ReStore or play Catch The Ace for a chance to win over $3,000 here.

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