A Port Moody resident is planning to put on some work gloves, buckle up a tool belt and hoist a hammer for a new initiative called Habitat for Humanity Women Build.
Yolanda Broderick will be one of 40 women participating in the project, which starts this spring and will see the construction of six affordable homes in Richmond for 12 families. (In total 400 women will build the homes, with 40 on site each day for 10 days.)
To do so, Broderick needs to raise a minimum of $1,000 - at close to $900, she's already well on her way - but her goal is $2,500.
"If you're asked to lay tiles, do drywalling, whatever the task you're given, you'll do it," Broderick said with a laugh, noting she and her husband have done a few projects around their home "that could make or break a marriage" but nothing on this scale.
"It's exciting, it's a challenge, but it's a worthy cause," she said. "My family thinks I'm crazy."
Habitat for Humanity is a cause that's close to Broderick's heart, having first volunteered for the organization when she lived in Lethbridge, Alberta in the late 1990s. She'd like to see more affordable housing options for individuals and families to combat the growing trend of homelessness and poverty as "normal" in today's society.
"I'm encouraging women in the Tri-Cities to join me," Broderick said, whether it's starting their own campaigns or contributing to hers.
Habitat for Humanity Women Build is a program intended to empower women through fundraising and home-building for the organization.
For more information visit www.habitatgv.ca or here to donate to Broderick's campaign.
@spayneTC
