Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) unveiled its new ReStore truck on Friday afternoon (October 25) at the non-profit organization’s head office location at 300 Milroy Drive.
Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith was on hand for the event, as the truck was funded through a $81,600 capital grant that Habitat PKR received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation last fall.
“Habitat for Humanity plays a vital role in strengthening and enhancing the resilience of our communities,” MPP Smith said. “This grant from the province of Ontario, provided through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, enables Habitat to connect with donors more swiftly and increases the support available to construct safe, affordable homes for families.”
Habitat PKR unveiled the new truck during national Waste Reduction Week from October 21 to 27 during Circular Economy Month, which promotes a sustainable or environmentally friendly economy based on the reuse and regeneration of materials or products.
The truck will be used for Habitat PKR’s free pickup service for donations to the organization’s ReStores in Peterborough, Lakefield, and Lindsay, which sell new and gently used building materials, furniture, and home décor.
Not only do proceeds from sales of items at the three ReStores cover all the operational costs of Habitat PKR, so that all financial donations to the organization go directly towards building affordable homes, but the ReStores provide an alternative to throwing away reusable items. In 2023, Habitat PKR diverted 331,730 items donated by the community from landfills.
“Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s generous support, we’re able to grow our sustainable practices and improve how we serve the local community,” said Habitat PKR CEO Susan Zambonin. “This key funding helps not only divert more usable items from landfills but also to continue our mission of building much needed affordable housing. ”
According to a media release, the new ReStore truck will increase Habitat PKR’s donation capacity, efficiency, and service delivery. The new truck will reduce wait times for donors, streamline scheduling, and allow more frequent service to the rural communities the organization serves.
In addition to picking up donated items, the truck will also assist in Habitat PKR’s kitchen and home deconstruction program, which offers homeowners a free removal service of kitchens and large built-in items that are then sold in ReStores. Homeowners may also qualify for a charitable tax receipt for their donation.
