Habitat home constructed at Bannatyne campus by faculty, staff and students

Last year the U of M became the first medicine faculty in Canada to sponsor a Habitat for Humanity build. This year, they followed it up with Act 2 — and now another family will have the opportunity to experience the pride of home ownership.

Staff, students, instructors and faculty members from the Colleges of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Rehabilitation Sciences lent a hand in building a new home for a family of three between June 10 and 20. Michelle, a 28-year-old single mom and her two kids, both under the age of 12, previously lived in a rented row house.

“We build the home on campus and relocate it to its permanent site nearby,” said Brian Postl, dean of the College of Medicine and dean & vice-provost of the Faculty of Health Sciences. “As we transition towards the new Faculty of Health Sciences, I am thrilled that one of our first joint projects encourages team-building and is centered on health and healthy living.

“The Faculty of Health Sciences Habitat for Humanity build  is an excellent opportunity to bring-together and engage a new and larger community of health educators, learners, researchers and support staff in a project that can transform a family’s life. We are laying down the foundation for a safe and healthy home environment and putting into action the core principal of social accountability important to all of us in the health care professions.”

The Tachane Foundation was a major financial contributor to the build. The foundation, set up by the Sutherland family in 2008, focuses its charitable giving on Canadian Aboriginals and youth development.

At the Habitat build launch (l to r), Dean Brian Postl, new homeowner Michelle, Med 2 student Gail Pollard, Dr. Bruce Martin and Habitat for Humanity Manitoba CEO Sandy Hopkins.

On site to launch the build were Ian Sutherland, founder of the Tachane Foundation, along with Health Sciences Dean Brian Postl, The Honourable Peter Bjornson, Minister of Housing, Habitat for Humanity Manitoba CEO Sandy Hopkins, Margaret Haworth-Brockman, chair of HFHM Board of Directors and Michelle, representing the partner family.

Hopkins said, “We are excited to be back on Bannatyne Campus. Last year’s build was a huge success and we look forward to a long-term partnership with the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Health Sciences. We are grateful for the Tachane Foundation support. It is a long standing partner with Habitat Canada’s Aboriginal Housing program and has contributed towards 28 homes built for Aboriginal partner families across Canada.”

Studies show secure housing can have a positive impact on learning; an educated child is more likely to avoid disease, gain employment and will have more options in life. “We will be laying down the foundation for a safe and healthy home environment and putting into action the core principal of social accountability important to all of us in the health care professions,” says Dean Postl, adding this is the first joint project that will see the Colleges within the newly integrated faculty come together.

Another strong supporter, said Postl, was Jonathan Wong, a palliative care physician with the WRHA and an instructor in the College of Medicine.

He donated over $10,000 through the sales of his Chopin CD Keys to Home, the 15-track disc specifically to raise funds for the build.

Click here to listen online.