Women in hard hats take charge

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/08/2017 (2438 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The kickoff for Habitat for Humanity Brandon’s newest build on Frederick Street looked like any other construction site, with volunteers geared up with hard hats and tool belts eager to get to work.

But there is one major difference for this project — the majority of the crew is women.

The house’s start on Monday morning also marked the first-ever Women Build project in Brandon, drawing more than 50 women from across Westman to take part.

“The goal of Women Build is really about empowering women to be leaders on the construction site, teach them some skills that they can use moving forward, but more importantly, build strong communities,” said Michelle Pereira, vice-president of marketing, communication and philanthropy at Habitat for Humanity.

More than 40 Habitat for Humanity homes in Canada have been built by female crews since 1991.

Women in Brandon will build the first stages of construction on the new Frederick Street home, in what is known as Women Build Blitz Week, which runs until Saturday.

Although the name suggests no boys are allowed, Pereira said men are absolutely welcome on site.

“It’s not about excluding men, it’s about empowering women,” she added.

Because it costs approximately $175,000 — excluding the cost of land — to build a Habitat home, the women were tasked with raising at least $250 each to volunteer.

Not only did they step up to the challenge, but many of the women fundraised over their expected goal, said Margaret Schonewille, general manager of Habitat for Humanity Brandon.

“It’s wonderful to have volunteers with a hammer in their hand, but if I can’t afford the nails, they’re just wonderful people with a hammer in their hand,” Schonewille said.

“What these ladies have done is they have bought the nails so that we can build… isn’t that exciting?”

For volunteer Florence Halcrow, getting involved was a no-brainer. It’s a chance to flex her carpentry skills while helping a family.

“I wanted to get involved and help a family get into a home they can afford… but it’s also exciting to work with other women, meet new friends and work as a team to get this family into their home,” Halcrow said.

One of the future homeowners, Michelle Pang, was on site to thank volunteers for their efforts.

Pang and her husband, Fengyan Tan, will be building and learning alongside the crew, which will be a new experience for them.

“I’m nervous, but it’s really exciting,” Pang said.

“We just came here three years ago… it’s very exciting that we are going to have our own home.”

The family of four currently lives in a small apartment, where a lack of space is becoming increasingly stressful with two growing kids. “We have to share the rooms with our kids. So when we have our own house everyone will have their own bedroom. We’re very excited,” Pang said.

— Brandon Sun