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Metroland Media helps Habitat with groundwork by Angela Blackburn Oakville Beaver Staff 13 | Wednesday, April 16, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com And the groundwork -- aka sub-flooring -- was set. By summer, that foundation will support a teenaged boy's `man-cave,' the private sanctuaries of two teen girls, and offer the shelter, safety and pride only a family home can bring to their mother. Nearly two dozen Metroland Media employees were at Habitat for Humanity Halton's latest Oakville build site on Pembroke Drive Friday. They donned work boots, hard hats and Habitat T-shirts, and after a briefing on the job ahead, they rolled up their sleeves and got to work. They were finishing off the sub-flooring of a three-bedroom bungalow home for an Oakville family of four -- a mom and her three teens. "When you drive by and see the house, see the family, you'll know you had a part in it," said Dennis Silva, site supervisor. "This home will make a difference for the family and for others to follow. It will still be here 100 years from now." The Metroland Media team comprised personnel from across all departments including editorial, circulation, advertising and production. But instead of chasing stories, securing advertising or co-ordinating page production, they put their toolkit of skills to the test in a much different environment. They learned to use saws, drills, not to mention how floors are supported and settle, how you use A team from Metroland Media helped out Friday at the Habitat for Humanity Halton's latest build site on Pembroke Drive in Oakville. For more photos and a video, visit www.insidehalton.com or http://bit.ly/1iUTm5z | photo by Riziero Vertolli ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) the `crown' side of wood facing upwards and how to tie a knot in extension cords to reduce the risk of disconnection. Tips from the pros. They put in sweat equity. "It's fine to donate money, but when you give your time, it's different. After all, what's a more valuable thing than time in your life?" asked Silva. Metroland Media is not alone in its support of Habitat. According to both Silva and event manager Mark Jambrovic, many companies use build days as community service and team-building events. MetrolandMediaisamongmanylocalbusinesses supporting Habitat. Others include Caterpillar, whose employees were on site Thursday installing floor joists and starting the plywood sub-floor. Ground was broken on this site in March as Habitat for Humanity Halton joined the Oakville, Milton and District Real Estate Board (OMDREB) at the lot to celebrate the excavation of the foundation for the new affordable home. The real estate group committed $50,000 to the project. It is joined by co-sponsor Genworth Canada, which has also invested $50,000. All is on schedule, in fact, ahead of schedule, according to Jambrovic. By mid-summer, the keys should be in the hands of the family, who is purchasing the home from Habitat in a deal offering home ownership that wouldn't otherwise be possible. The Pembroke Drive project is the third Habitat build to take place in town since Habitat Halton formed in 1999. The recipient families purchase the homes through a 35-year, interest-free, no-profit mortgage held by Habitat Halton. Payments are adjustable to, but never exceed, 30 per cent of a family's income. "This is going to give someone a chance to start from the ground and build themselves up," said Jack McCrudden, OMDREB president, at the groundbreaking. "It's a great opportunity." This is the fourth Habitat Halton build OMDREB has helped fund, contributing nearly $200,000 to the charity since 2010. Habitat Halton Marketing and Communications Manager Angela Goldrup said no sooner had see Habitat on p.15 W O H S Y L I M A F ALL NEW FOR SPRING! ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS 690 Plains Road West, Burlington ON Sunday, May25, 2014 from 10AM to 3PM You're Invited! 1,500 E E R F gs a b t o o L Admissio & Parkin n g FREE A FUN FILLED DAY Education · Attractions · Camps · Family Planning SundayMay4, 2014 10am-4pm with everything for families FREE Admission &Parking Sponsors: WIN this Q3200 Gas Grill! WITH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Entertainer Scott Dietrich Exhibits,Displays & More! FREE LOOT BAGS to the first 750 visitors Want to book a booth at the City Parent Family Show? Call: 905-842-6591 ext 228 orToll Free: 1-800-693-7986 ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington RBG Auditorium Live L ive ve E Entertainment nte ert tai inm nmen nt f from ro om mt the he TORONTO ALL STAR BIG BAND 905-842-6591 or toll free 1-800-693-7986 For exhibitor information please call: