On Saturday, September 29th our team attended the 2018 Campbell River Chamber of Commerce Business Awards of Distinction where we were honoured to be chosen as the recipient in both categories that we were nominated in.
Not-for-Profit of the Year
sponsored by Marine Harvest
In our application we talked about several innovative new programs we added in Campbell River, including the prefabrication shop and Invest in Yourself. Additionally, we grew our Global Village program, which brings visitors from all over Canada and the United States to the North Island. This year we hosted six teams. In addition to building with us, they explore the local culture, shopping, and restaurants. Collaboration and community partnerships continue to be a major focus for our organization. This year we partnered with like-minded organizations such as the CR Head Injury Society, Salvation Army, John Howard Society, and United Way to form the Campbell River Coalition to End Homelessness. We also continue to offer an innovative way for local businesses to get involved with Habitat through Team Build Days.
Social Enterprise Award
sponsored by Coastal Community Credit Union
We received this award for our Campbell River ReStore, the social enterprise that fuels our operations. Because our ReStores pay all Habitat for Humanity’s operating costs, 100% of cash donations to Habitat and profits from the ReStores go directly to build programs. Again, collaboration has been the key to our success as we work closely with local businesses and other nonprofits. The ReStore provides both volunteer and employment opportunities to people of all abilities and backgrounds. It also serves an environmental purpose, diverting materials from the landfill.
In 2017, the Campbell River ReStore
- engaged 40 core volunteers and 25 additional volunteers who put in roughly 8,000 hours
- recycled $29,843 worth of scrap metal (Money that went back into building homes)
- diverted 533 tonnes of material from the landfill
- received 9,683 donation drop offs
- completed 1,323 donation pickups
- achieved $796,416.19 in sales
This is the second time we have received both of these awards, with the first taking place in 2016. In 2017, we received the Diversity Leadership Award.
Thank you to the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce for recognizing businesses in our community. Our heartfelt congratulations to all the other nominees and award recipients!