By Nancy Saunders
Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay is holding a new event on October 1 at Reid’s Countrywide Home Furnishings. The latest fundraiser to support the organization’s home building projects involves teams of local DIYers choosing items and materials from the ReStore to upcycle into new furniture pieces.
Explains CEO Diane Mitchell, “Participants [had] one hour to shop the ReStore for their project piece at a 50% discount, and four weeks to build their masterpiece. The catch is the piece must be restored to a higher quality and value than the original item.[It was] a great way [for folks] to get creative and use [their] imaginations for a worthy cause!”
The event is a perfect fit for ReStore customers and it’s a fun way for the organization to raise money, says fund development coordinator Amber Prairie. “The ReStore has always been a destination outlet for Pinterest lovers, DIYers, and amateur designers… It’s very easy to turn something found here into a beautiful, modern piece with some paint and other simple materials. [We’re] thrilled to be sharing this side of the ReStore with the general public, and to see how participants transform their projects so we can continue to transform the lives of local people in need.” She says the initial call for teams was very successful and there’s already a waiting list to participate in next year’s event.
Completed furniture projects have been on display at Reid’s Countrywide Home Furnishings since September 21, with the store “staging all pieces using [its] home décor to showcase the design potential of the projects.” The community is invited to vote on their favourite project until the ReStore It: Auction on October 1. “There are only 100 tickets, so I encourage everyone to act fast!” says Mitchell. Check out photos of the projects here.
Since 1994, Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay has constructed 29 homes, giving 79 children in the region homes of their own and hope for the future.
