Habitat for Humanity
 January 8 2016     Posted by Siemens Group

Last week I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity booth at the Mortgage Broker's Association of BC conference. I've participated in Habitat for Humanity builds several times, but in order to prepare for the booth I learned a little more about Habitat's for Humanity's Re-Stores. It's a really amazing program that I didn't know much about, so here's my top 3 things to know about re-stores:

1. They have a large supply of new and gently used building materials. They will take donations of gently used cabinets/appliances that are under 10 years old, and they also get unused building supplies (cabinets, fixtures, etc) from several major building supplies that are either the prior year's models or floor models. They are typically priced around 50% of normal sale price. Huge savings opportunity for a reno.

2. The profits earned from Re-Stores covers Habitat for Humanity of Greater Vancouver's administration costs. This means that they can use 100% of the donations toward building projects. Consider donating to them- they make the most of the money that they are gifted.

3. There are 3 Re-Stores in the Greater Vancouver area (North Van, Burnaby, and Vancouver), and they are always looking for volunteers. If you want to donate your time to Habitat for Humanity, particularly now while there aren't yet any build sites in progress in the area, that's a great way to do it.

- David King