Nobody can get things done quite like a group of like-minded, determined, and generous women. That’s why Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) is teaming up with the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) to host the inaugural “Women Build Retreat” in Haliburton County in October.
A combination of a relaxing fall getaway to stunning cottage country, a hands-on fundraiser for Habitat PKR’s upcoming multi-unit build in Haliburton, and an opportunity to learn to build and connect with women in the community, the retreat will offer participants with an unforgettable experience.
The Women Build Retreat is running from Friday, October 4th to Sunday, October 6th at Haliburton’s Camp Timberlane. Thanks to the support of sponsors, the price of the event has now improved to $400, with tickets available at www.womenbuildretreat.ca. The price includes two nights accommodation, all food and snacks, and activities and swag (the only thing not included is transportation to and from Camp Timberlane).
“We know that women build businesses, they build communities, they build families — they’re the backbone of a lot of places,” says Natalie Raponi, Donor Impact Manager at Habitat PKR. “We want to get those minds in the same group, in the same area, and what better place to do that than to bring everyone together at the most gorgeous time of year in the most beautiful place?”
Throughout the weekend, guests will be staying in the staff cabins on Camp Timberlane’s 1,100-acre site on the edge of Two Islands Lake, located in the heart of Haliburton Highlands near the southern boundary of Canada’s famous Algonquin Park.
Participants will enjoy the rustic charm of the cabins — many of which overlook the private lake — with single and queen-sized beds available, as well as private showers and restrooms. The property includes a sauna, high ropes course, kayaks and other watercraft, sandy beaches, and so much more.
“Camp Timberlane is known for their incredible food and beautiful location with wonderful accommodations,” says Raponi. “They have a private lake, so it’ll combine a really incredible atmosphere with what we know will be an incredible group of women.”
Between organized activities, women will be working together to build garden planters to be donated to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton to offer therapeutic gardening activities for women staying at the Haliburton Emergency SafeSpace (HERS), which provides temporary housing for women and families moving from abusive home situations — a mission closely aligned with that of Habitat PKR.
“Safe and affordable housing is the crux of so many larger issues,” says Raponi. “When you don’t have options, when you don’t have the ability to make changes, when you feel you’re stuck in one spot, that’s just the most dangerous place to be. Having affordable housing gives people options, and having a safe place to call home is absolutely fundamental to grow and thrive.”
Habitat PKR’s all-female trade staff will be leading participants through the build, offering construction techniques and teaching them to use power tools.
“We have a lot of women at Habitat PKR who are represented in the trades — whereas in the construction world, conversely, that’s not always the case,” Raponi explains. “Sometimes, to get women participating and to feel comfortable in construction and building, having a safe space is what’s needed.”
“This will be that super safe place where we’re actually going to put a power tool in your hand. You can ask questions, you will be taught with respect and gentleness, and we’ll meet whatever level of skill you are at and hopefully just take you to the next level.”
After a delicious and hearty breakfast while enjoying the stunning array of fall colours to start the day, half of the group will join the tradespeople for building while the other women will engage in a range of other fun activities — and then the groups will swap places in the afternoon.
Guided activities will range from yoga instruction to games of pickleball, hiking trails, and art workshops.
The groups will then come together for scheduled activities, including a wine tasting experience with expert Leah Spooner, an extravagant gourmet s’mores bar sponsored by Hickory Lanes Kitchens, themed dinners, a bonfire on the beach, and more.
“We are meticulously curating the perfect blend between relaxing and adventuring, introverting and extroverting, and just bringing people together,” Raponi says.
“There are lots of things that women can choose from that will be guided for you with plenty of moments where you can just disappear, read a book on the beach or on the dock overlooking the water, and then join us all for a delicious dinner and a movie on the beach after.”
Habitat PKR has set a goal to raise $15,000 in support of its upcoming multi-unit build in the Haliburton region. By participating in the retreat, women will directly contribute to organization’s mission to help families and individuals reach affordable home ownership through lower-than-market interest and geared-to-income mortgages with no downpayment.
“Haliburton is experiencing a really intense housing crisis and, because it’s considered cottage country, those exorbitant housing costs are just going up and up,” says Raponi, adding that the Women Build Retreat is much more than just a fundraiser.
“We can ask for money to support the build, but if we can also talk to you and have a shared experience with you and create those meaningful connections, that’s going to go so much further than just accepting a cheque.”
With the goal of forming connections through the retreat, Habitat PKR is leading by example by using the event to also support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton and by combining forces with the WBN, whose 2024-25 theme is “collaboration over competition.”
“We know the WBN is filled with a powerhouse of women who get things done and want to see good in our community and beyond,” says Raponi. “It’s a win-win-win to bring different organizations together, and different women, to work on things that are even beyond the scope of Habitat.”
Raponi acknowledges that the support of female-led businesses sponsoring the event — including Lakeshore Designs, ACM Designs, and Abbott Construction Group — are all prime examples of what happens when women come together with one goal in mind.
“The more affordable options we can give people, the more choice they have, and the more they will be able to thrive,” says Raponi. “Let’s link arms with every organization that is working towards these goals, and let’s link arms with the companies and individual women who want to come along for the ride, and let’s support the community.”
To view the full Women Build Retreat schedule and to register, visit www.womenbuildretreat.ca. For more information on Habitat PKR, visit www.habitatpeterborough.ca.
