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The day finally came, our day at Woman Build 2015!! Kristine Quan, Vanessa Leung, Aysha Perera and I met at the York Region build site, 302 Andrew Street in Newmarket. The morning was cool and foggy. We were greeted by the enthusiastic volunteers at the registration desk and given our safety gear; hard hats (with our names on them), safety vests, glasses, tools belts and safety boots (for those without their own).
Once geared up we were offered warm bagels and hot coffee. After a brief welcome statement and safety talk we were given our assignments and started work.
A few ladies completed the external insulation on the basement walls, some completed the main floor joist bracing and the remaining women moved gravel to cover the weeping tile around the foundation. Once the building inspector inspected our work it was time to back fill with sand. During morning break a 30 ton load of sand was dumped at the entrance of the site. After break several ladies worked on the subfloor installation on the main floor, but the main focus was on move the sand intended to back fill the foundation so the gates could be closed and the site secured at the end of the day. Due to the small size of the site, powered equipment could not be used so a bucket brigade was implemented.
Before we knew it, it was time for lunch. By now the sun was out, so lunch was a welcome break. After a very satisfying lunch of salad, pizza, chicken and an assortment of cold soft drinks, and before going back to work, we were fortunate to hear a few words from the VP of Habitat for Humanity of York Region, the architectural technologist responsible for designing the house, and home owner, Leslie Doyle. Leslie spoke eloquently about what this house, soon to become her family’s home, will mean to her, her husband and her two children. She worked along-side us that day, as she does most days. Meeting Leslie and hearing her story was a highlight of the day for me. I also, enjoyed the physical work and the time spent outside the office with my female colleagues. I saw another side of each of them and was impressed by their determination and physical strength.
My fellow CFMS’ Construction Crew had the following to say on their experience:
“I believe that my volunteer work at “Women Build” was a wonderful opportunity to give back to society, as it gave me the chance to help a family who was in need.” – Aysha
“I really enjoyed the entire experience, as I learned a lot – about Habitat for Humanity, about construction, and about my co-workers. It always amazes me as to what one can do when they have to – and this was HARD work! But also very satisfying, especially working along with the future home owner Leslie, knowing how much this is going to mean to her family.” – Kristine
“Volunteering for the Women Build was an enlightening experience. It was very gratifying working alongside women to build a home for someone in need. To our surprise, one of the owners of the house worked and interacted with us all day. It made the day more meaningful and personal!” – Vanessa
Habitat for Humanity is fantastic organization offering a ‘hand up, not a handout’. I look forward to working on another project. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity for a great day! Thanks to Kristine, Aysha and Vanessa for joining me. And a big thanks to everyone who sponsored ‘CFMS’ Construction Crew’.